President Muhammadu Buhari says he will replace ministers who recently resigned over their political ambition without delay.
Buhari made this known in Abuja on Friday when he held a valedictory service with the ten ministers who resigned from their position.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after the President held a valedictory meeting with nine of the concerned ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
According to Mohammed, Buhari said he would immediately fill the vacancies created by the exodus.
He thanked the outgoing ministers for complying with the directive to quit based on their decision to seek elective political offices.
Buhari appreciated them for their services to the country, expressing 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.”
Asked if the 10 ministers have tendered their resignations, he said, “Well. Mr. President said some have and others are in the process of doing so. But he thanked everybody for their compliance.”
On whether the Ministers can return to their positions if they abruptly change their minds Mohammed noted, “Only Mr. President can say that.”
He added, “I’m just sticking to the speech of Mr. President and so I don’t want to speculate what can happen and what cannot happen. But Mr. President’s speech was very clear. He thanked the outgoing ministers for their sacrifice and contribution.”
He also noted that only the party can decide whether or not Former President Goodluck Jonathan has joined the All Progressives Congress.
