President Muhammadu Buhari this evening dribbled pundits, analysts and the frontrunners for the positions of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chief of Staff (CoS).

The position of SGF, in particular, had been reported to be zoned to the South East, with the South-South also reportedly the second choice for the plum position. Favourites for the position were former governors Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi), Chris Ngige (Anambra) and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers).

Buhari, however, apparently had a last-minute change of mind. According to a statement just issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the former military ruler has appointed Engr. Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Alhaji Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President.

Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.), who was touted as the imminent replacement for Ibrahim Lamorde as Chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC), was rather appointed Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi was appointed Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service, Senator Ita S.J. Enang as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

•Photo shows Ogbonnaya Onu.