The Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday held a valedictory session for seven ministers who are resigning their positions to pursue gubernatorial positions in their respective states.
At the session coordinated by President Goodluck Jonathan in the council’s chamber at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, seven ministers were listed by the president as those expected to leave to pursue their political ambitions.
They are Ministers of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of State for Niger Delta, Darius Ishaqu, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu and Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The president, however, said since they have not formally written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, indicating their interests to resign, they will still be regarded as council members.
He said the valedictory session had only arisen on the grounds that they had indicated their interests informally, and they are expected to quit before October 20.
Mr. Jonathan said “this meeting is definitely their last of FEC sessions”.
The president also warned those who have not really perfected their plans against writing, endorsing and submitting a resignation letter as any letter received by the SGF will be treated forthwith.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, praised the ministers, prayed for the fulfilment of their ambitions.
Mr. Maku who spoke on behalf of the outgoing ministers, showered encomium on the president over his steadfastness, focus and integrity.
He urged Jonathan not to be distracted by the opposition and people who compulsively speak ill of his administration.
Mr. Maku said the president is the only one, since the time of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon that entrenched stability in the council by not sacking or replacing council members regularly.
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