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.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Prince Kayode Bayewuwon, popularly known as PKOB, has pledged to bring abundant joy and relief to the people of the state.
He expressed a strong commitment to alleviating the suffering of the masses through impactful community development initiatives.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday, Bayewuwon emphasised that addressing the challenges faced by the underprivileged is vital for the state’s overall progress and development. He noted that his passion for community growth has been the driving force behind his desire to effect positive change in the lives of those in need.
Bayewuwon, a native of Ogbomoso from the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, revealed his ambition to contest for a political office in the 2027 general elections.
He assured that his sincerity of purpose and dedication to service would distinguish him from other political contenders.
The UK-based computer engineering expert outlined his vision to prioritise the welfare of the people by creating opportunities for growth, development, and empowerment. His approach focuses on grassroots engagement, ensuring that the voices of the people are central to decision-making processes.
“After wide consultations, people encouraged me to contest for political office, and I am ready,” Bayewuwon stated. “I will involve the people in every decision and policy I implement. My passion for helping people is a major driving force behind my political aspiration.”
He further highlighted his commitment to advancing Oyo State’s status as the “Pacesetter State,” pledging to set a new standard for governance.
“One of my key goals is to prioritise sports development in the state and revisit the educational curriculum to curb the wastage of talents and elevate the state to the forefront of educational excellence,” he added.
Reflecting on his philanthropic efforts, Bayewuwon noted that he has positively impacted lives not only in Ogbomoso but across all local government areas in the state. He expressed his intention to expand these efforts if elected into office.
“My philanthropic initiatives have already made significant impacts, but I want to do more through effective governance,” he said.
Bayewuwon’s political vision, according to him, includes implementing programmes that directly address the pressing challenges facing Oyo State residents, adding that his plans aim to uplift individuals and families while fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.
Politics
Dotun Sanusi, Oseni Forge Strategic Alliance for Oyo 2027, Launch N50m Loan Scheme for Traders
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Support Group has officially entered a strategic alliance with the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF).
This partnership unites two influential political forces, signaling Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s decision to step down from the gubernatorial race in favour of supporting Engr. Aderemi Oseni.
Oseni, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is now positioned as a formidable contender in the forthcoming election.
The alliance was solidified during a high-level meeting held on Sunday at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan. The gathering attracted prominent stakeholders, including the Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), all 33 local government CAN coordinators, zonal leaders, market traders, and key figures within the JDS Support Group.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Hon. Gbenga Ayinde Adewusi of the JDS Group described the partnership as a strategic move aimed at reshaping Oyo State’s political and economic future.
Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, praised Oseni’s legislative achievements, commending his commitment to developmental projects across the state.
Sanusi emphasized that his performance as a federal lawmaker stands out, describing him as one of Oyo State’s most effective and dedicated legislators.
He urged the newly formed alliance to engage stakeholders across the state, stressing the need for unity and divine guidance to secure electoral victory.
The Oyo State CAN Chairman also lauded Chief Sanusi’s leadership and praised his decision to support Oseni. He called on religious and grassroots leaders to rally behind the alliance to foster sustainable development and progress in the state.
Market traders, represented by Iyaloja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, applauded Chief Sanusi’s dedication to the welfare of small business owners. She pledged the continuous support of market traders statewide, citing Sanusi’s consistent advocacy for their economic interests.
Expressing his gratitude, Engr. Aderemi Oseni thanked Chief Sanusi and the JDS Support Group for their confidence in his leadership. He stressed the importance of unity in advancing the state’s development agenda and shared his deep-rooted connection to Oyo State as a proud son of the Bogumbe Family from Akufo, Ibadanland.
As part of his commitment to grassroots empowerment, the lawmaker announced a ₦50 million free loan scheme for market traders in Oyo State. The initiative, designed to bolster small businesses, will be managed by Iyaloja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, serving as the foundation for broader economic empowerment programmes.
The meeting ended with prayers and goodwill messages, reaffirming the joint resolve of the JDS Support Group and ROCOF to pursue sustainable growth and political success in the State as the 2027 governorship election approaches.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has openly declared his support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State in the 2026 governorship election.
Fayose made this declaration on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Ikeja GRA Network of Roads in Lagos State.
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose commended the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Lagos for transforming the Ikeja GRA area to rival the elite Ikoyi district.
“This place is now our own Ikoyi… You and your deputy have turned GRA to Ikoyi GRA,” Fayose remarked, applauding the Lagos State Government’s infrastructural strides.
Despite his firm loyalty to the PDP, Fayose stated unequivocally that he would support Governor Oyebanji, a member of the APC, in his re-election campaign.
“I am one Nigerian who will not say what I don’t mean even if they will kill me. I will say it. I am not a member of APC, let me put that on record again. I am not a member of APC and I will never be a member but I will not shy away from the fact that what is good is good,” Fayose declared.
Reflecting on Oyebanji’s emergence as governor, Fayose admitted that initial skepticism surrounded Oyebanji’s nomination but noted that the governor had surpassed expectations.
“When the news of your nomination came about six years ago, there were so many reservations, but you have proved the bookmakers wrong, including myself. You have shown that leadership is not about appearances but about substance. You are a different breed of politician,” he added.
Drawing a parallel between Oyebanji and the inclusive governance approach in Lagos, Fayose said, “You brought everybody together like my governor in Ekiti, Oyebanji, brought everybody together. I always tell people who care to listen, I am a PDP member but I will support Oyebanji in the next election. It is not about politics, it is who Oyebanji is.”
Governor Biodun Oyebanji was elected in June 2022 after defeating PDP’s Bisi Kolawole and Olusegun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He succeeded former governor Kayode Fayemi and was sworn into office in October 2022.
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