International briefs: Nigeria

NIGERIAN president Goodluck Jonathan re-appointed 12 ministers from the outgoing government to their old jobs yesterday following general elections in April.

Jonathan was sworn in for his first full term more than a month ago, and his ministerial choices are being closely watched by Nigerians and foreign investors keen for a team capable of driving badly needed reforms in Africa's most populous nation.

"Those of you who are returning are to go back to your ministries and start work immediately," Jonathan said, adding that two new ministers also sworn in yesterday would be informed of their portfolios tomorrow.

The return of so many familiar faces has led Jonathan's critics to question whether his new team will have the reformist credentials it needs.

However, his backers say that retaining a core of the old guard will help to ensure consistency.