President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with some outgoing members of his cabinet who are vying for various electoral offices in the 2023 general elections.
Those present at the meeting include Ministers of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Niger Delta Affairs; Goodwill Akpabio;
Others include Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu; and Women Affairs, Paulen Tallen; Ministers of State for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogar; Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; and Niger Delta Affairs, Tayo Alasoadura.
After the meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said President Buhari will soon replace all the affected ministers.
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.
The minister 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.”
