Buhari’s cabinet: Tinubu men begin moves to stop Ambode’s nomination, may petition EFCC

There are indications that the immediate past governor of Lagos
State, Akinwunmi Ambode, may be part of President Muhammadu
Buhari’s next cabinet, Punch report.

It has, however, been gathered that party men loyal to the
National Leader of the ruling party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may have
begun moves to scuttle plan to appoint Ambode as a minister.

Top party chiefs in the Mandate Group alleged that the immediate
past governor of Lagos State frustrated many party members in Lagos
State during his tenure and there was, therefore, the need “to
teach him a lesson.”

Consequently, the aggrieved party men were said to be making
moves to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over
Ambode’s alleged financial misappropriation and corruption.

Ambode, who has been out of the country since he left office in
May, returned from France a few days ago. He was said to be
favoured by Buhari’s kitchen cabinet.

Sources within the Lagos APC told Saturday PUNCH that Ambode was
not a loyal party man as he offended some party members and any
move to reward him would be opposed vehemently by the party.

One of the sources said, “Ambode tried to destroy the party in
his first term. Apart from not being accessible, he revoked
contracts belonging to party members and brought in his own
companies. He tried to destroy our chances by trying to undermine
Sanwo-Olu at every turn.

“He did not campaign for us. Rather, he was following Buhari all
over the place. He should not expect to represent Lagos in any
capacity. We will not allow him have any appointment.”

Another source alleged that Ambode was not an indigene of Lagos
State.

The source said, “Ambode is from Ondo State and he cannot deny
it. Yes, he was governor in Lagos State but the constitution allows
that. However, the constitution states clearly that only an
indigene of a state can represent that state as far as ministerial
appointments are concerned.

“We will ensure that the three senators from Lagos State block
his nomination in the event that he is nominated by the President.
There must be party discipline.”

The source said a probe of Ambode’s administration would soon
commence where the cases of alleged fraud and abuse of office would
be exposed.

A source close to Ambode, however, said the former governor was
prepared for the battle ahead.

He said Ambode’s gentle mien should not be mistaken for
weakness.

The former aide said, “Ambode is already prepared for the worst
since they have already humiliated him. Buhari even appealed to
them to let Ambode return as governor but they refused. They then
tried to impeach him but they failed.

“They should remember that Ambode was a permanent secretary and
accountant-general of the state before becoming a governor.

“He knows the secrets of all those making threats. Anybody who
is on a mission of revenge could be digging his own grave in the
process. I won’t say more than that.”

Attempts to speak with Tinubu’s aide, Tunde Rahman, proved
abortive as he neither picked calls nor responded to a text message
on Friday.

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