September 01, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday rationalised the sacking of the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Nanono, and his Power counterpart, Saleh Mamman.
According to the President, the move became necessary in order to reinvigorate his cabinet and consolidate legacy achievements.
He spoke on Wednesday during the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
Going by a copy of the address issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari noted that the ministers were sacked after an independent and critical self-review of their performance.
He said that the development was also to close gaps, build cohesion and create synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.
THEWILL reports that Buhari on Wednesday suddenly announced the sacking of the ministers of Agriculture and his Power counterpart.
The President also redeployed Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of the Environment, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, while Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State for Works and Housing was asked to assume office as the Minister of Power.
According to the President, “On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the nine priority areas of government for the second term.
“Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through Sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats.
“I must commend this cabinet for demonstrating unparalleled resilience that helped the government to navigate the disruption to global systems and governance occasioned by the emergence of COVID-19 shortly after inauguration. The weekly Federal Executive Council meetings was not spared because the traditional mode was altered.
“As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavour and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements.”
Buhari explained that the sacked ministers had earlier been informed, adding that vacant positions would be filled in accordance with the constitution.
“In due course, substantive nominations will be made to fill the consequential vacancies in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.
“I have personally met with the departing members to thank them for their contributions to discussions in cabinet and the invaluable services rendered to the nation.
“Today, effectively marks their last participation in the Federal Executive Council deliberations and I wish them the best in all future endeavours.”
