Nigerians have had mixed reactions , on why Mr Dele Alake was assigned The Ministry of Solid Mineral resources as against the speculated Ministry of Information.
Reacting to this this, Mr Dele Alake while speaking to journalists opined that the decision of the president to assign him there was due to the sensitive economic nature of the office.
Alake disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen after the inauguration of 45 new ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Minister in a rather shocking revelation said he specifically asked the president to assign that Ministry to him.
Alake while responding to journalists said he believed that the much speculated portfolio (information) was not necessarily specially kept for him.
According to him:
‘’I heard about that matter since the beginning of this administration when I was given the position of Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy.
‘’The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as you know is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal.
The administration is ready to give a new lease of life to the sector.
‘’So, that position was one that I specifically ask Mr President to give me and he obliged.
“The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trust and believe would deliver effectively,’’ Alake said.
The nomination of Dele Alake had got alot of Nigerians thinking the president would assign him to a communication or information wing in the list of Ministerial portfolios.
Nigerians were taken aback when he was announced as Minister of Solid Mineral development.