President Buhari retain all Ministers till May 28 Despite valedictory session …gives reason for keeping one set in four years

Despite presiding over the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before his inauguration for a second tenure, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday failed to dissolve his cabinet.

Instead, the President has said that they should continue to work until the eve of the inauguration, May 28th, after which they will hand over to their respective permanent secretaries.

He also said the outgoing ministers will submit their handover notes to the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

“Although today is our last council meeting, I expect all of you to continue working until Tuesday, 28th May 2019 when you will officially hand over your schedules to your respective Permanent Secretaries.

“Your handing over letters should be submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” he said.

While noting that Wednesday’s meeting was the last before the commencement of the new administration, he urged the ministers to be proud that they have contributed to the development of the country to the best put their ability.

The President said their achievements had guaranteed their place in the history of the nation.

He said he did not tamper with his cabinet for the entire duration because of the individual qualities of the members.

The President recalled that on the resumption of office, his administration met the nation on a parlous state but with hard work and commitment, it said was able to steady things.

The President added: “You will recall that when we started this journey, our country was facing numerous challenges.

“We inherited a broken economy which eventually went into recession in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. The situation was further compounded by insecurity and massive corruption.

“Many would have given up. Indeed, many outside commentators said our situation was well nigh hopeless. However, we all came together and pushed forward to deliver our campaign promise to rescue our country from its parlous state.

“Although we all had a common vision, we frequently had heated debates in this room on the best way to achieve our goals. These differing views are what made the decisions we took all the more rational.

“It is this quality that made me retain my cabinet for the full term. Each of you in this room has a unique skill and strength. We are a reflection of the Nigeria we aspire to achieve. A diverse but tolerant nation where no one is silenced and where every opinion should be heard and considered.

“I want you all to leave this meeting proud to have served your nation to the best of your ability.

“You should be proud to have been part of the government that liberated the local governments previously under Boko Haram rule.

“You should be proud to have contributed to our food security and economic diversification agenda which led to the revival of our rural agrarian economy.

“You should be proud to have been part of the team that developed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan which led Nigeria exiting its worst recession in decades.

“You should be proud to have introduced the social investment program that enhanced livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

“You should be proud to have participated in settling outstanding pensions of many senior citizens abandoned by previous governments while supporting state governments to meet their salary arrears.

“And of course, you should all be proud to have overseen the most ambitious road, rail and airport rehabilitation programs in the history of our country.

“I want to put on record, that your achievements in the last three and a half years has guaranteed your position in the history books of this nation. You have certainly built the foundations for an improved economy and a more purposeful government.”

The President thanked the ministers for agreeing to serve the nation during a difficult time and wished them best of luck in the years ahead.

In his remark, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo thanked the President for the confidence he reposed on him.

He recalled that on the eve of the President’s departure for medical treatment when he was made the acting President, Buhari had promised that he would not interfere with Osinbajo’s activities as acting President.

According to the vice presidential, Buhari stuck to his words.

He said he treasured the friendships which he had built in the last four years as Vice President.

All the ministers were given three minutes each to make their final remarks with most of them extolling the virtues of the President and thanking him for giving them the opportunity to serve.

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