Poll: Is Fashola Second Most Powerful Nigerian?

The former governor of Lagos state Babatunde Raji Fashola needs no introduction. He has emerged under the Buhari administration as one of the most important, if not the most important President’s men. Some have even dubbed him the number two man given his new role.

Fashola while being sworn in as minister. With him is Lai Muhammed, APC former spokesperson now Information Minister

After the confirmation of the former governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola by the Saraki-led Senate House, speculation was rife about which among the ministers’ designate will get what position. Finally, on November 4th 2015, the president assigned portfolio to the confirmed ministers and administered oath to them as his kitchen cabinet.

READ ALSO: Fashola, Kachikwu Steal Show At Ministerial Screening

But the highlight of the ministerial appointment, confirmation and assigning portfolio was overshadowed by how one man in the pack evemtually emerged to hold three ministerial positions. Fashola was given roles as minister for Power, Housing and Works. These portfolios ultimately earned him the name of ‘’the actualizer’’ of the Buhari administration.

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Holding down three of the most important positions in the Buhari government effectively placed the former Lagos strong man at the commanding heights of the three positions many Nigerians have termed as ‘’juicy appointments’.

READ ALSO: Check Out Fashola’s First Assignment As Minister

The so-called ‘juicy; in the appointments will see Fashola oversee the power sector-an infrastructure critical to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement. The multi-billion naira power sector reform has refused to take off despite huge fund expended on reforming the sector. As minister, he will also preside over Works and Housing.

First day in office for the super minister

Many are already referring to Fashola as the point man of the Buhari administration. They may not be totally off the target if we look back to precedents.

During the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan administration, one woman, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, was the Co-coordinating Minister of Economy.

APC top enforcers, Transport Minister Rotimi Amechi, President Buhari and Fashola

That was in addition to being the Finance Minister. As the coordinating minister, Iweala had had oversight functions on all ministries. At the time, she was said to be the de facto president as the president invested her with roles beyond her finance portfolio. Iweala was referred to as the de facto President.

READ ALSO: Fashola Ministerial Approval, CACOL Blasts PMB, Senate

But even Fashola and Iweala had precedent. In the 1970s, some permanent secretaries were so powerful and influential that they were referred to super permanent secs. Permanent secretaries like Ahmed Joda Allison Ayida, Phillips Asiodu, Ime Ebong, Ibrahim Damchida, Abdulazeez Atta et al weld tremendous power over the military rulers.

Fashola defending his appointment at a Senate hearing

Fast forward to 2015, Buhari is the president and here comes another man with a track record of performance as governor of Lagos who is now being referred as the second most powerful man in this government.

Even with a Vice-President in place, some Nigerians are still saying Fashola is the second most powerful Nigerian today. How true?

Is Fashola the most powerful Nigeria after Buhari?

You can vote Yes or No below

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