The outgoing Senate of the 9th Assembly has granted President Bola Tinubu’s request to appoint 20 special advisers amidst a nationwide crusade for prudence in the management of the nation’s scant resources and to cut down the cost of governance.

Mr Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, which did not disclose the identity of the proposed advisers, was read on Tuesday by Senate President Ahmed Lawan and hurriedly approved. 

The letter carries a request for only special advisers leaving the possibility that the president may later appoint more individuals as special assistants, senior special assistants, and others into the presidential aide portfolios.

While Section 151(1) of the constitution permits the president to appoint any person as special adviser to assist him in the performance of his duty as president, section 151(2) empowers the National Assembly to determine the number of advisers and their remunerations.

So far, the identity of the advisers and their proposed remuneration have been shielded from public view which may strengthen the argument of pundits that Mr Tinubu rose to power on a series of political deals and consolidations and his intention to pay back might cost the country dearly in resources.