The President, Muhammadu Buhari, on
Friday in Abuja, said a significant number of the outgoing members of the
Federal Executive Council have been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher
elective offices, including the office of the President.
The President said this at a valedictory session for 10 of
his cabinet members who are vying for various electoral offices in next year’s
general elections, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to
the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari to outgoing FEC
members: Significant number of you sufficiently equipped to be my successor.’
Buhari had at the tail end of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, ordered all members of his cabinet who are aspiring to various electoral offices to resign on or before Monday.
Buhari’s cabinet members seeking to contest in the 2023
general elections include the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi;
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Science,
Technology, and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of State for Petroleum,
Timipre Sylva; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.
Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice,
Abubakar Malami (SAN); Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche
Ogah; the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; and the Minister of State
for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and the Minister of State
(Education), Emeka Nwajiuba.
At the valedictory session, all, but Nwajiuba, who had
earlier tendered his resignation, were present.
At the valedictory session on Friday, the President said the
ensuing vacancies would be filled in the coming days.
“I am happy to note that a significant number of cabinet
members have become sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices,
including the Office of the President. This shows the impact of the experience
gathered while serving as members of the Federal Executive Council.
‘’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.
‘’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 offices and your compliance 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 your future endeavors,’’ Buhari said.
The President 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 vacuum that should be filled, the President said
appointments would be made without delay so that the business of governance
would not suffer.
He urged the remaining members of the cabinet to show more
diligence, resilience, and commitment to serve Nigerians better, saying,‘‘The
journey to the finish line is still very far.’’
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing ministers, Akpabio
thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute
their quota to nation building.
He described working with Buhari as a ‘‘fantastic and knowledgeable
experience,’’ adding that as they stepped aside they would continue to be great
disciples of Buhari.
‘’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.”
According to Akpabio, Buhari was the ‘’best President
Nigeria could ever have had at a time of difficult circumstances.’’
He prayed to God to grant Buhari a successful tenure and
protect his family.
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