A former senator who represented Bauchi South, Salisu Matori, has expressed optimism that the selection of ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be based on merit and not determined by favouritism.

He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that some ‘cabals’ in the north would influence the anticipated list.

Matori, who was once the Vice Chairman of Senators Forum in the North East zone, told DAILY POST: “I have no iota of doubt in my mind that the selection of ministers would be based on merit. I believe Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not the kind of person who can be misled by some powerful people in the North.”

He also expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s administration would continue oil exploration in the North, particularly in Bauchi State.

According to him, the completion of this project and the harnessing of mineral resources in the north and other parts of the country will no doubt open up the northern region and bring socio-economic development to the country.

“Tinubu pledged in many places that he will continue with the oil exploration efforts in the country and look into oil discovery possibilities in states like Sokoto, Borno, and Bauchi states, as part of an effort to elevate energy, security for the country, promote economic growth and prosperity for all our people,” he said.

Matori expressed confidence that Tinubu will intensify the search for oil in the Borno, Sokoto, Bida, and Anambra basins.