Why Tinubu made me solid minerals minister instead of information – Alake

By Adekunle Sulaimon

The minister of solid minerals, Dele Alake, has explained the reasons behind his appointment into the ministry by President Bola Tinubu which stirred controversies.

Alake highlighted his sense of responsibility, expertise, and track record as what propelled Tinubu’s decision.

He clarified that the president decided to shock Nigerians by not appointing him to the information ministry which he has a background in.

He said, “My portfolio has been the upset of the entire cabinet because given my antecedents, exposure, and experience in the area of perception, information management, and the likes so most people have pigeon whole me for Information and so we decided to shock everybody.

“Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon that is the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid mineral.

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“Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda, that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone,” he added.

Alake further said that it is not about the portfolio or ministry that he is assigned to but the results that he will yield for Nigerians.

“In my world, where I come from, you know you are in the civil service and have your rules and regulations but in my world, there are no strictures, I have been in the civil service as a commissioner before. My modus operandi is results, I really don’t care how you get me the results as long as you use legitimate means to get the result.

“I am going to set an agenda with focus and objectives, we would get the results. Now we are not going to be allowing civil service structures and strictures to stifle us from creativity and flourishing, what we need is attitudinal change.”