Politics
2023: You’re sufficiently equipped to succeed me – Buhari tells outgoing FEC members
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja, bade farewell to outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), affirming that a significant number of them have 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, who commended the departing public officers for serving the nation sacrificially, ”with dignity and honour”, had at the last FEC meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in the 2023 General Elections should resign 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.
President 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).
”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 governors, legislators, entrepreneurs and core professionals.
He added that the experience and expertise they brought on board have 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.
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 will not suffer.
President Buhari 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 ’’.
”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,” the President told members of his cabinet.
The following outgoing members of FEC were present at the valedictory session: 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, Chief 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.
The Niger Delta Minister 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. ”
Lauding the President’s deep patriotism, Akpabio said he is the ”best president Nigeria could ever have had at a time of difficult circumstances.”
He prayed God Almighty to grant the President a successful tenure and protect his family, adding:
”May one of us succeed you 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.”
Businessman, philanthropist, and retired military officer, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, has formally joined active politics, declaring for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his hometown of Saki on Tuesday.
Dr. Adegbola, an international businessman and popular hotelier, made his declaration at Baabo Community, Ward 10, Saki West Local Government Area, where he expressed his commitment to contributing to the progress of the party and society.
Continuing his move, he visited the APC State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, where he was formally received by the Oyo APC State Executive Committee, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas. The event was attended by key party stakeholders, who hailed his decision to join the opposition party in Oyo State at this crucial time.
While welcoming Adegbola into the APC fold, Alhaji Abas described him as a man of integrity, courage, and passion for public service.
“Things can only get better in the way we do politics if we have reputable citizens and people of proven character like Dr. Adegbola in the system,” Abas said.
“Your decision to join our great party at a time when we are in opposition in Oyo State speaks volumes about your personality. It shows you are a courageous, selfless, and passionate man ready to expand the scope of your service to Nigerian society and humanity in general. We are glad to have you in our party, and I am confident that we will work together to return APC to power in Oyo State come 2027.”
Adegbola was introduced to the state leadership by the Chairman of APC in Saki West, Alhaji Tajudeen Okunlola, who commended him for taking the bold step of joining the party.
Speaking at the event, Adegbola explained that his decision to join politics was borne out of his passion for public service and a desire to make a greater impact on society.
“I have always derived happiness from helping others, especially the less privileged, and I believe that joining active politics will afford me the opportunity to do more,” he stated.
He further revealed that he had been a longtime follower of the late Chief Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki, and other progressive leaders who championed quality leadership and governance.
The businessman also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that every well-meaning Nigerian should rally behind his administration’s efforts to transform the country.
“I see APC as the best political platform because it has the highest number of passionate and competent citizens who are capable of moving Nigeria forward,” he added.
He noted that since making his intention to join the APC public, many of his associates had expressed readiness to follow suit, vowing to mobilise more members to strengthen the party across the state.
Among those who received Dr. Adegbola at the Oyo APC Secretariat were: Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (State Publicity Secretary), Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader), Mrs. Tinuade Adigun, Alhaji Olalekan Busari (State Treasurer), Hon. Sayo Fatoki, Alhaji Sulaimon Bankole and Comrade Peter Odesola.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Hon. (Prince) Akinmoyede Olafisoye has distributed educational materials worth ₦100 million to no fewer than 3,000 students and 100 public primary and secondary schools in his constituency.
The event, held yesterday at Faith Joe Events Centre, beside Community Grammar School, Alegongo, Ibadan, was marked by celebration and appreciation from prominent political stalwarts and stakeholders in the education sector who graced the occasion.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), aimed to stimulate educational standards and improve learning quality among beneficiaries.
Akinmoyede provided an array of educational materials, including whiteboards, blackboards, markers, dusters, highlighters, staple machines, scientific calculators, school bags, lunch boxes, mathematical sets, and exercise books (40, 60, and 80 leaves). Also, financial support was given to each beneficiary school to aid transportation to the venue.
In his speech, the lawmaker emphasised that the initiative was his way of giving back to his constituents, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
“These items will help to enhance and uplift educational and learning activities among the benefited schools, their teachers, and students alike,” he stated.
The lawmaker, popularly called Lafi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, all three senators and House of Representatives members from Oyo State, the 32 state House of Assembly members, and the Chairmen of Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas for their collective efforts in improving the lives of the people.
He assured that he would continue to support and facilitate initiatives that foster development in his constituency and Oyo State at large.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State SMEDAN Manager, Mrs. Ojogbede Iyabo Mabel, hailed the initiative as a remarkable step towards education development.
“What Hon. Lafi is doing today challenges those aspiring for political offices to prioritize impactful initiatives when they get to power,” she remarked.
Some beneficiaries expressed joy, stating that the initiative would have a significant impact on the educational development of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency. They described the lawmaker as a committed leader dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of his people through numerous projects since his election into the House of Representatives in 2023.
Among the beneficiary schools were: Amajiri School, Akinyele, Community High School, Alabata, Community Primary School, Elemona,
IDC Korukoru, IDC New Site, Ojoo, Islamic Mission School, Onikokoro, Community High School, Arulogun, and several others.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries, including Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Murphy Adigun, Hon. D.A. Lawal, Architect Hassan Giwa, Hon. Ope Salami, Hon. Mukaila Ambali, Chief Kehinde Balogun, Chief Biodun Amoo, and Hon. Femi Akintunde.
In his continued efforts to uplift his constituents, the lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Hon. (Prince) Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu, is set to organise another round of strategic empowerment programmes.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with L & A Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, aligns with his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy and fulfilling his campaign promises.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Abdullah Ajofeebo, and made available to journalists, the event is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Faith Joe Events Centre, beside Community Grammar School, Alegongo, Ibadan, starting at 3:00 PM prompt.
The programme is expected to attract beneficiaries from the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, party leaders, political stalwarts, and other stakeholders.
-
News1 week agoOyo: Orile-Igbon Stands Still as Oba Alao’s Mother Gets a Grand Farewell
-
News3 days ago
Obasa Reclaims Lagos Assembly Speakership After Dramatic Ouster
-
Politics1 week ago
Oyo Rep, Olafisoye Set For Another Strategic Empowerment Programme
-
Politics1 day ago
2027: Oyo Business Mogul, Adegbola Officially Joins APC, Vows to Mobilise Support
