House seeks professionals as Aviation, Education Ministers

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading, a bill seeking some technical ministries like Aviation, Education and a few others should be headed by professionals.

To this end, the lawmakers seek amendments to Section 147 (5) of the 1999 Constitution which was sponsored by the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who noted that certain ministries required technically capable professionals to supervise.

Gbajabiamila said that certain ministries like Aviation, Health and Education require people that have thorough knowledge and technical skill of the sectors.

According to him, the drafters of the constitution were aware of the sensitive nature of the Ministry of Justice which was why they prescribed certain criteria for whoever would be appointed as Minister of Justice.

Hon. Emmanuel Jimeh (PDP Benue), who pointed out that the qualification for becoming a representative is Secondary School Certificate, said the proposed amendment would assist the Senate and the executive in determining who is appropriate for certain ministerial profolio.

Jimeh said: 'Do we expect a Minister of Health or Aviation to have just a Secondary School Certificate if the President so desires?'

Hon. Mohammed Monguno (APC Borno) and Hon. Mustapha Khabeeb (PDP Jigawa) also supported the bill, saying a constitution should be dynamic and flexible to be brought in tandem with realities of time.