2023 Elections: What Buhari Told Outgoing Ministers During Meeting

President Muhammadu Buhari has wished ministers who resigned from his cabinet to pursue their political ambitions the best of luck in their endeavours.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that the President made this known on Friday during a valedictory session organised for them at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari commended the outgoing ministers for serving the nation sacrificially with dignity and honour.

The Nigerian leader commended the outgoing ministers for their decision and courage to contest for elective offices and their compliance with his directive.

The President, however, informed the exiting political appointees that they will be replaced “without delay”.

He 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.

”I note that some have complied with the directive 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.”

Buhari pointed out that a significant number of the aspirants have been sufficiently equipped to contest for the office of the president and other elective offices.

He said: ”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).

”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.”

Some of the outgoing ministers include Abubakar Malami, Rotimi Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, Timipre Sylva, Pauline Tallen, Chris Ngige, Uche Ogah, Ogbonnaya Onu and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.