At Farewell Meeting, Buhari Vows to Swiftly Replace Departing Ministers
‘’I have no doubt that if the next President emerges from among former members of this cabinet, like any other aspirant, ample competence and outstanding service delivery would be on display. This will be part of our legacies to Nigerians.’’
Buhari, who commended the GHSDUWLQJ SXEOLF RFHUV IRU VHUYLQJ WKH QDWLRQ VDFULÀFLDOO\ ¶·ZLWK dignity and honour’’, had at the last FEC meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest IRU HOHFWLYH RFHV LQ WKH general election should resign their current appointments.
He said: ‘’I note that some have complied while others are in the process of doing so. I would like to use this opportunity to commend your decision and courage to contest for elective RFHV DQG \RXU FRPSOLDQFH with my directive.
‘’I also wish to thank you for your invaluable services to this nation through your contributions as Cabinet members. I wish you success in the upcoming elections and in your future endeavours.”
President Buhari told the ministers that looking back as the head of the team over the years, he had fond memories of incisive and robust discussions during cabinet meetings, rendering of performance reports during special sessions and presidential retreats.
Noting that the departure of some cabinet members had undoubtedly created a YDFXXP WKDW VKRXOG EH ÀOOHG the President said appointments would be made without delay so that the business of governance ZLOO QRW VXͿHU
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing ministers, Godswill Akpabio, expressed gratitude to the President for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to nation building.
“As we step aside from FEC, I want you to know that you have disciples in us. I want you to know that it is time for us to propagate Buharism.
“I want you to know that we are going to be working closely with the Minister of Information and Culture to take your message of transformation, love, patience, and administrative sagacity to
Nigerians,” he said.
The Niger Delta Minister told the President that from his interactions with colleagues, leaving the cabinet was like the story of the Spanish play of “sadness and joy.”
He added: “Sadness in the sense that we are going to miss the continuous daily and weekly interaction with a father and learning from him; joy because we now have an opportunity to go to the wider audience in Nigeria to speak more of your achievements for this country.
“May one of us succeed you in order to continue the good legacies you have laid on ground. We have seen and know your vision. We know where you want the country to be.”
Nwajiuba, who had earlier tendered his resignation, was not present at the valedictory session.
Ngige Backs Out
The Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige has formally pulled out of the 2023 presidential race.
In a statement signed by Ngige, he said: “Having also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to FRQWHVW WKH RFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW in the 2023 general elections.
“As a result of this, I will not be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primary.
“I took this momentous GHFLVLRQ ÀUVWO\ LQ WKH RYHUDOO interest of the nation, in order to enable me concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the government weather the GLFXOW ODVW ODS LQ WKH OLIH RI the administration and secondly for other family reasons.
“I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
Ngige also said his constituents, political associates and well-wishers across the country are by this statement informed of his latest decision, which also has the blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, hence supersedes any other interest, personal or otherwise.”