In Nigeria, Cabinet Selections Show Policy Priorities

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has finally selected all 36 members of his Cabinet, and not a moment too soon. While the Nigerian Senate still needs to approve his nominees so they can be sworn into office, Buhari has already taken his time in appointing his Cabinet almost five months after being sworn in as president. Patience has worn thin in corners of Nigeria as the new president's opponents — and even some of his supporters — have waited to see what his policy priorities are and how they will be implemented. Despite the country's need for cautious leadership and fair distribution of power to promote national stability, it is clear that various interests in Nigeria will move to protect, or in some cases win, their influence. And it will be the president who manages the country's priorities and responses to them.