Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has announced his new Cabinet, keeping the vital energy minister position for himself.
The president introduced his lineup in Abuja Thursday, nearly two months after taking over for his predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjo. At the swearing-in, Mr. Yar'Adua warned his Cabinet members against corruption, which has been a major problem in Nigeria.
In all, the president's Cabinet has 39 members. Ruling party secretary Ojo Maduekwe was named foreign minister while a central bank official, Shamsuddeen Usman, was appointed finance minister.
The list also includes junior ministers responsible for petroleum and gas, although Mr. Yar'Adua will serve as overall energy minister.
The government is attempting to reduce turmoil in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, where attacks and kidnappings have caused a drop in oil output.
Oil production accounts for more than 80 percent of Nigeria's total government revenue.
Mr. Yar'Adua was declared the winner of April elections that local and international observers say were severely marred by fraud.
The new president has tried to ease the ensuing anger by making sure his Cabinet has representatives from all of the country's interest groups.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
