President
Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja directed all cabinet ministers to remain
in office until May 28.
The president, who gave the directive during the valedictory session of the
Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa, however, instructed
them to hand over the mantle of leadership of their various ministries to their
respective Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday.
He also enjoined them to submit their handing over letters to the office of the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation by May 28.
“Although today is our last council meeting, I expect all of you to continue
working until Tuesday, May 28, 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.
President Buhari explained that he retained the entire team of the cabinet for
three and half years due to their unique leadership qualities.
The president thanked the ministers for agreeing to serve the nation during
“these difficult times’’.
In his remarks, the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, thanked President Buhari for
the great opportunity offered him to serve as his Vice-President and as his
running mate twice.
He said: “My deepest gratitude comes from the great trust that you reposed in
me at all times.
“I will never forget when you were going on medical leave in May 2017 and you
said to me in the course of conversation that evening that you will not fiddle
my discretion as acting President in anyway.
“And in keeping with your character and style you kept your words.’’
The Ministers seized the opportunity to express their gratitude to President
Buhari for giving them the rear privilege to serve as members of the federal
executive council.
