Abuja - President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday in Abuja swore in two ministers from Enugu and Kebbi States, with a task to make a difference in governance.
The ministers are Prof Chinedu Nebo from Enugu State and Kabiru Turaki from Kebbi.
Jonathan said that the two ministers were nominated not just because of their political or educational qualifications, but due to their capacity to perform and deliver tangible results.
According to him, their appointments is meant to inject new ideas into the Federal Executive Council.
“Today, we are admitting two new ministers into our fold and the synopsis we have heard about them they are eminently qualified to serve this country at all levels.
“If it is political they are eminently qualified to serve as councillors up to the President of the Federal Republic by their antecedents.
“But then background qualification is one thing, serving as a minister is another thing because the challenges are different.”
He warned them never to disappoint Nigerians, whom, he said, had been yearning for good governance and democratic dividends.
The President, who was optimistic that the new ministers would succeed in their respective ministries, charged them to work as a team to enable them meet the expectations of Nigerians
“One thing I believe is that you will succeed, but to me is a big challenge on me and you because if a coach of a football team sends his 11 players out to play and decided to make changes getting close to half time then he knows that they may be weaknesses in some areas and he is bringing people to strengthen the team to make sure they score goals.
“So, Nigerians are expecting that if I am bringing ministers in at this time, I must be bringing people that will strengthen the team and make sure that we score more goals than we are already scoring.
“And If Nigerians don't realise that, then they will feel that I am not a good coach. If they realise that then they will be happy that I am a good coach.
“So, is quite challenging for me for bringing you in at this time and also to you because they will expect you to perform extremely well.
“Just like when the coach introduces sometimes 10 minutes to the end of the game and you are introduced to the field, you are expected to score the next goal."
Jonathan, who congratulated the ministers, directed them to report to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for their letters of posting.
NAN