Emerging report indicates that 10 Ministers with 2023 political ambitions have resigned, following the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari at the last Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.
The Minister of Information and Culture, announced this on Friday, while briefing State House Reporters, after a valedictory session, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, in Abuja.
He said that the Ministers will soon be replaced.
Lai Mohammed listed the former Ministers who attended the session as Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Godswill Akpabio (Niger Delta Affairs), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technological Innovation), Timipre Sylva (State, Petroleum Resources), Tayo Alasoadura (State, Niger Delta Affairs), Dame Tallen Paulen (Women Affairs), Uche Ogar (State, Mines and Steel Development), Abubakar Malami (Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) and Emeka Nwajiuba (State for Education) who was absent, but with a permission.
They tendered their resignation letters in compliance with a circular issued by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, asking political appointees seeking to contest in the 2023 general elections to resign.
Lai Mohammed stated: “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 Executive Council, who have indicated their desire to aspire for higher Offices. Nine of them were present, the 10th was absent with 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 endevour, also expressed the confidence that giving 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.”
When pressed further on whether Nigerians should expect replacements or reshuffling anytime soon, the Minister of Information said: “Yes. In fact, I said the Ministers to be replaced very soon without delay, he said so. I do not know about reshufflement. He said the vacancies would be replaced very soon.”
