MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT: THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOW OBANIKORO SURMOUNTED HIS MANY HURDLES



Obanikoro

Last week, the Senate confirmed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and 10 other ministerial nominees. Being a former member of the Senate, Obanikoro's screening was without any drama. He made a brief speech, after which the Senate asked him to take a bow and leave. Obanikoro would represent Lagos State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) after a formal swearing in by President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, in what might come as a shock to many people, Obanikoro faced many hurdles before he could be confirmed. His appointment came under severe threat, when some aggrieved parties threatened to unfurl a hail of information challenging the authenticity of his personal particulars. This group was made up of politicians in the opposition parties and some party stalwarts in Lagos PDP. Sources disclosed to The ELITES that the days that preceded the Senate screening proved to the most harrowing experience in Obanikoro's political career. He was reported to have been overwhelmed by the depth of resistance that greeted his appointment. 

The ELITES further gathered that Obanikoro, who is well known for his close-fisted nature, had to 'shake body' in order to sail through the hurdles. He was reported to have greased many palms' before he got his breakthrough. It was learnt that the resources Obanikoro expended on this 'venture' is said to be in the region of almost half a billion naira. 

Sources disclosed that the choice of Obanikoro was made because he is regarded as the most formidable politician within the Lagos PDP. He is believed to possess enough political clout, needed to wrestle Lagos State from the grip of the opposition party.