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Nigeria's Senate names 20 nominees for President Muhammadu Buhari's new Cabinet, just 3 women

Associated Press
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FILE- In this Monday, Sept. 1, 2014 file photo, former Lagos state Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola is seen during a presentation of medical protective kits for Ebola treatment by a mobile phone company MTN in Lagos, Nigeria. Nigeria's Senate announced 20 nominees for the Cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, representing all regions of this West African nation but including only three women. Among candidates named Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 is respected former Lagos State Gov. Babatunde Fashola, former Rivers State Gov. Rotimi Amaechi and humanitarian activist Kayode Fayemi. Buhari did not specify what positions the nominees will have. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE- In this Friday, May 29, 2015 file photo, Nigeria's Senate President Bukola Saraki attends an event in Abuja, Nigeria. Nigeria's Senate announced 20 nominees for the Cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, representing all regions of this West African nation but including only three women. Among candidates named Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015. is respected former Lagos State Gov. Babatunde Fashola, former Rivers State Gov. Rotimi Amaechi and humanitarian activist Kayode Fayemi. Buhari did not specify what positions the nominees will have. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File) (The Associated Press)

Nigeria's Senate announced 20 nominees for the Cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, representing all regions of this West African nation but including only three women.

Among candidates named Tuesday is respected former Lagos State Gov. Babatunde Fashola, former Rivers State Gov. Rotimi Amaechi and humanitarian activist Kayode Fayemi. Buhari did not specify what positions the nominees will have.

Buhari's list comes more than six months since his election brought the first democratic change of government to Africa's biggest oil producer.

Buhari, who was briefly a military dictator 30 years ago, has said he is now a committed democrat determined rid Nigeria of corruption.

The Cabinet list includes former members of defeated President Goodluck Jonathan's party who allied with Buhari, bringing the northern Muslim leader votes from Nigeria's mainly Christian south.