2023: Outgoing Ministers Competent To Be My Successor- Buhari

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Friday, May 13th, 2022

….Vacant Positions To Be Filled With Immediate Effect

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday bade farewell to outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Speaking at a valedictory session for the ministers leaving the cabinet to pursue political ambitions, the President said significant number of them have been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President.

”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 stated. The President commended the outgoing ministers for serving the nation sacrificially, “with dignity and honour”

Buhari had during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last Wednesday directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in the 2023 general elections should resign their current appointments.

While speaking at the valedictory session on Friday, Buhari said, I know 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 in your future endeavors,” he added.

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.

”In 2015, citizens of this country overwhelmingly voted for me to become the President of this nation on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

”Selected members of the Cabinet went through a careful process, so that the best and most competent could emerge. The performance of that class of 2015 proved me right.

”In 2019, Nigerians similarly re-elected me as President. Again the selection went through another meticulous process.

”That re-election was significant because it served as a referendum on our performance during the first term and it inspired me to bring back some of the members of the first cabinet either to their old Ministries or re-assigned to other sectors.

”New Members were also brought on board to inject fresh energies, skills and ideas to enhance the execution of government’s programs and policies.

”With these and much more, 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,” he said.

The President explained that appointments would be made without delay to replace the ministers so that the business of government would not suffer
Outgoing ministers present at the valedictory session were ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva; Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Also at the session were 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.

The Minister of State (Education), Emeka Nwajiuba, who had earlier tendered his resignation, was not present at the valedictory session.