resident Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday made self appraisal of the country in the last four years and concluded that the nation had under-performed.

The president, who sworn-in additional five ministers, said that the country had no excuse to continue to under-perform.

The new ministers were: Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi SAN, Attorney-General and Justice Minister; Senator Liyel Imoke, Power and Steel; Mallam Isa Yuguda, Aviation; Alhaji Mogaji Mohammed, Industries and Miss Olufunke Adedoyin, Minister of State, Women and Youth Development.

Regretting the under-development in the country, the president said, "from whichever angle you look at it, the country has under-performed. We have no excuse to continue to under-perform".

He warned the ministers to be mindful of what they would do as they would be under close watch.

According to him, their behaviour in the society would reflect the seriousness of the government and the kind of leadership they were giving.

While urging the new members of the federal cabinet to brace up for good and selfless performance, Obasanjo reminded them that "Nigeria expect much from the administration because by their vote, they "have given us much by the opportunity of first and second term to govern them".

He went further, "your habits that are not acceptable should be sacrificed. You must make sacrifices as ministers.”

The swearing-in of the additional five ministers brought the number of the ministers to 38.

It will be recalled that the Senate rejected Professor Babalola Borishade, a nominee from Ekiti State, while the president withdrew the name of Dr. Adewale Oladipo, a nominee from Osun State.