MALAMI : THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Abubakar Malami, the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is not new to this government. He appears to be the SPECIAL ONE at the moment. He has been with the Muhammadu Buhari administration even before 2015. He is one of the known and respected voices, faces and names in this government.

It is not strange that he is a notable figure. His portfolio or designation is key to any administration. Remember Michael Aondoakaa? He occupied same office under Late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He was equally a big name in Yar'Adua's government. That is how important this office or position is.

But Malami was never a KEY FACTOR or CULT FUTURE before now. There were or are influential personalities like Abba Kyari, the Late Chief of Staff to the President, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Federation, Lawal Daura the former DSS boss, Ibrahim Magu, the embattled suspended former acting Chairman of the EFCC and Babagana Munguno, the National Security Adviser to the President among others.

Some of these big wigs were kicked out and Kyari was forced out by death. This created vacuum for some others to fill, talking about powerful officials of government. Enters Adamu Adamu, the Honourable Minister of Education and Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy among others.

As of Today, Magu has been sent packing. Another lacuna has been created. Those in the corridors of power say Malami appears to be the beautiful bride among the handful of close aides or confidants of Buhari. He is the new kid on the block so to say.

He has the listening ears of Mr. President even more than others in his class. Most very top and high profile decisions are taken with his knowledge. He is trusted and consulted in confidential state matters. Suffice this to mean that he is a key player in the "new kitchen cabinet" of Mr President.

Yes, Mr. President has what could pass for a "new kitchen cabinet" following the appointment of his new Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and the injection of a few new names from among his most trusted ministers like Adamu, Pantami and Malami. Of course, Munguno is also a member of the "inside cabinet". The man to replace Magu surely will automatically be a member of Mr. President's trusted few just like Boss Mustapha the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

But not all members of this exclusive club have loud voices. Malami has. He is equally very influential. He is a decision maker. Highly placed around Mr. President.

With the key roles recently played by Malami in some very sensitive state issues, one can only expect more as we gradually approach 2023 especially as it seems huge trust and responsibilities have been placed on his shoulders. How he handles this new vital role we wait and watch with keen interest to see....even as we know that the massive wind of change blowing in this administration could sweep aside or away anyone.

Best wishes Honourable Minister!