President Muhammadu Buhari will soon replace the outgoing ministers who have resigned to contest various elective positions in the 2023 general elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has announced this after the President had a valedictory meeting with nine of the Ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
Mohammed said the President had indicated that he would replace the vacancy created by the exit of former members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) without delay.
Buhari, while applauding the outgoing ministers for complying with the directive to quit based on their decision to seek elective political offices, appreciated them for their services to the country.
He expressed confidence that given the experience they have garnered in the services of government, they are equipped to run other positions.
Mohammed said, “I said the Minister will be replaced very soon without delay, he (The President) said so. I don’t know about reshuffling. He said the vacancies would be replaced very soon.
“You will recall that on Wednesday, Mr. President directed and I informed you that all ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in 2023 general elections, should resign their current appointments.
“This morning, there was a valedictory service for 10 members of the Federal Council who have indicated their desire to aspire for higher offices. Nine of them were present the 10th was absent with an apology.
“Mr. President used the occasion to thank the outgoing members of cabinet for their sacrifices and services. Mr. President also in addition to wishing them success in their endeavour, also expressed the confidence that given the expertise, the experience, and what they must have garnered during their years in office, they like other aspirants are fully equipped to run the affairs of the state.
“Of course, Mr. President also admonished the remaining members of the Cabinet that the journey is still far. And they should all redouble their efforts, be more diligent and be more committed to the success of the administration. At the end of which the outgoing ministers had a group photograph with Mr president and also with the chief of staff and the secretary to the government of the federation.”
The former ministers present at Friday’s meeting were Abubakar Malami (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice); Godswill Akpabio (Niger Delta Affairs); Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Ogbonnaya Onu (Science, Technology, and Innovation); Pauline Tallen (Women Affairs); Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Timipre Sylva (State, Petroleum Resources); Uche Ogar (State, Mines and Steel Development), and Tayo Alasoadura (State, Niger Delta Affairs).
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that the President ordered the Federal Executive Council members of his cabinet who are aspiring to various electoral offices to resign on or before Monday.
