President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted he is under intense pressure to send the awaited ministerial list to the National Assembly.
He, however, noted that he was taking his time to form his cabinet because he wants people with proven track record and integrity.
In a maiden meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, Buhari also said that only those tested and capable of delivering on assigned mandates will make the ministerial list.
At the meeting held at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday night, Buhari said he was under intense pressure to constitute the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on leave peacefully.
READ: Ministerial List: I’ll appoint people I know, no recommendations – Buhari
“I’m very much aware about it; I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.
“I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. Then I knew them.
“But, this time around I’m going to be quiet – in the sense that I will pick people I personally know,’’ he said.
Others at the meeting included the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other presidential aides also attended the meeting.
