Connect with us

National News

Buhari bids farewell to outgoing FEC members, to replace Ministers without delay

Published

on

Buhari bids farewell to outgoing FEC members, to replace Ministers without delay

Buhari bids farewell to outgoing FEC members, to replace Ministers without delay

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja bade farewell to outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), saying the departing Ministers would be replaced without delay.

The president affirmed that a significant number of them had been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President.

Speaking at a valedictory session for appointees leaving the cabinet to pursue political ambitions, the President said:

”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.”

The president commended them for serving the nation sacrificially, ”with dignity and honour”.

President Buhari had at the last FEC meeting on May 11, directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in the 2023 General Elections should resign from their current appointments.

”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 in your future endeavours,” he said.

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 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).

READ ALSO: NIGERIA ADVANCES STRATEGY TO ACTUALISE NET ZERO GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSION BY 2060

”Selecting 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 acknowledged that prior to some of them joining his cabinet; they had made their marks in other areas as governours, legislators, entrepreneurs and core professionals.

He added that the experience and expertise they brought on board had significantly resulted in enormous development in various sectors and the accomplishment of government programmes.

”These include infrastructure, agriculture, health systems, financial management, administration of justice, building social safety net systems,” he said.

While noting that the departure of some cabinet members has 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 ’’. 

The president said: “Like always, there will be challenges to address, programmes to deliver and policies to implement.

”You must therefore brace up for more work and target increased accomplishments.

”The determination to leave important legacies for Nigerians should never be compromised.”

Those at the valedictory session include 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.

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, Tayo Alasoadura.

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

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 the President as a ‘‘fantastic and knowledgeable experience,’’ adding that as they step aside they will 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.

”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.

Akpabio told the president that his interactions with colleagues leaving the cabinet were like the story of the Spanish play of ‘‘sadness and joy.’’

”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. ”

While lauding the president’s deep patriotism, Akpabio said “he (Buhari) is the best president Nigeria could ever have had at a time of difficult circumstances.”

He prayed to God Almighty to grant the president a successful tenure and protect his family, adding:

“May one of us succeed you in order to continue the good legacies you have laid on the ground.

“We have seen and know your vision. We know where you want the country to be.”

Continue Reading
1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

Published

on

FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.

He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.

“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”

The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.

FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

Continue Reading

National News

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

Published

on

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.

The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.

However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.

Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.

“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.

No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

Continue Reading

National News

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

Published

on

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

By: Michael Mike

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.

The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.

The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.

The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.

According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.

The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.

It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights