UPDATED: Jonathan Appoints New Advisers

Source: thewillnigeria.com
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PHOTO: GENERAL THEOPHILUS YAKUBU DANJUMA.

San Francisco March 01, (THEWILL) – In another step aimed at asserting his authority on the affairs of state, Nigerian Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday set up three new advisory committees including reconstituting one on the Niger Delta and another to supervise ongoing government projects in the country (FPAC).

According to a statement from the Presidency, the Presidential Advisory Council is expected to provide input on government policy and would "promote good governance, in the areas of power, economy, security, infrastructure, social sector, the electoral process, and the fight against corruption, among others."

General Theophilus Danjuma is Chairman the council while prominent constitutional lawyer Professor Ben Nwabueze is Deputy Chairman.

Other members of the council are former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore; former Inspector-General of Police M.D. Yusuf; former Secretary-General of Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku; former Minister of Science and Productivity Bartholomew Nnaji; former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Fola Adeola; former Shell Managing Director Mr. Basil Omiyi; Mallam Abubakar Gimba; Ambassador G. B. Preware; Chairman National Economic Summit Group, Sam Ohuabunwa; former Managing Director of FSB International Bank, Mallam Muhammed Hayatuddeen, former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche; and former Justice Minister and Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi.

Others include, President of Africa Business Roundtable and former Minister of Industry Bamanga Tukur, 
former Mtel Chairman, Hajiya Halita Aliyu; Chairman, Allied Energy, Mr. Kase Lawal; Alhaji Ismaila Isa; Alhaji Magaji Danbatta; Prof. B. G. Bajoga; Dr. (Mrs.) Sally Bolujoko; Mrs. Mariam Uwais; Mrs. Mobola Johnson; Prof. Shehu Said Sarinwata; Dr. Simon C. Okolo; while the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would serve as Secretary.

The Council is expected to begin work on Thursday.
President Musa Yar'Adua has been ill since November 23rd and his return to Nigeria last week set up a power tussle which the Acting President seem to be winning with the support of Nigerians, the US, UK and the EU.

Mr. Jonathan is also expected to announce a major cabinet change any moment from now.