2023: In compliance with Buhari’s directive, Akpabio, Amaechi, Onu resign

… Ngige, Malami, others risk sack over presidential ambition

By Abimbola Abatta

At least four political appointees, vying for elective posts under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have resigned sequel to the announcement for all members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) interested in the 2023 general elections to quit the cabinet.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the order on Wednesday during the Federal Executive meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stating that ministers who want to contest in the forthcoming elections should tender their resignation on or before Monday, May 16, 2022.

Nigerian NewsDirect had earlier reported that some ministers have picked up their expression of interest and nomination forms in order to secure the presidential, governorship, and legislative tickets on the platform of the ruling party.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu; and Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, who had earlier picked the forms for the presidential ticket resigned yesterday.

Two presidential aspirants who are yet to tender their resignation and may risk sack include Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogar, has obtained governorship nomination forms for APC ticket in Abia State, while the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has declared to contest the APC governorship ticket in Kebbi State.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Paulline Tallen, had equally declared her ambition to contest for the senatorial seat in Plateau State.

While other appointees were tendering their resignation letter, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said he would consult his people and President Muhammadu Buhari respectively before he takes any decision.

He said this while reacting to President Muhamadu Buhari’s directive that all ministers vying for any elective office in 2023 should resign.

Reacting, Ngige said he was not in a hurry to resign from his appointment and that he has to consult with President Muhamadu Buhari and his constituents before tendering any resignation letter.

According to him, Buhari gave a window for those that need clarifications on his pronouncement to meet him.

“I have no reaction for now because the President said if anyone wants clarifications, the person should meet him.

“So I have to consult him and consult my constituency, Anambra state because I am holding the office for the government and my constituency” He said.