2023: APC panel to demand resignation letters from Buhari’s ministers who resigned

There are strong indications that members of the Federal Executive Council who have declared their intention to contest the 2023 presidential election may appear before the All Progressives Congress screening committee with copies their letters of resignation and acknowledgement.

Party sources stated that this might form part of the additional stipulations the aspirants were expected to comply with.

The development was sequel to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, that all members of his cabinet vying for elective offices must step down on or Monday.

Buhari on Wednesday finally bowed to pressure when he called the ministers to resign following persistent calls by eminent lawyers and other Nigerians, who argued that their continued stay in office amounted to a conflict of interest.

The order came at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting which he presided over at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

But an APC chieftain said that aspirants might be asked to produce their letters of resignation and acknowledgement copies during their screening.

He said several appointees and aides had been rushing to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to submit letters of resignation and collect acknowledgement letters.

The chieftain, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “From all indications, the party will ask appointees to come with resignation letters and letters of acknowledgement. All those who refuse to resign will just be setting themselves up for disqualification.

“At this point, it will be safe for anyone who is an appointee to just resign whether you are a minister or not. I am sure the APC will be issuing a statement anytime from now on the matter.”

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, as he refused to clarify the issue.

The Minister of information, Lai Mohammed, who disclosed the presidential directive to the cabinet members shortly after the FEC meeting, however, said he could not speak on the fate of other political appointees who were also vying for positions but were non-cabinet members.

Buhari’s directive came after he received the resignation letter of the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who had tendered it on Tuesday.

Buhari was said to have commended Nwajiuba and asked other cabinet members to follow suit and resign immediately.

However, the immediate resignation order was modified to Monday by the Information Minister who met the President privately to clarify the deadline.

Cabinet members affected include the Ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio; Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Others include the Minister of State  Mines and Steel, Uche Ogar, who is contesting for the Abia State APC governorship ticket, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, who declared her intention to contest for the senatorial seat in Plateau State.Also affected is the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who is running for the governorship of Kebbi State.

Announcing Buhari’s directive, Mohammed said,  “The mandate I have from the President is to announce that all members of the Federal Executive Council contesting for elective office must resign their ministerial cabinet appointments on or before Monday, May 16, 2022.”

 When asked if the directive affected the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is vying for the Presidency, the Information Minister, said “the Vice President was elected, he was not appointed.”

On the fate of other political appointees, non-cabinet members who are also contesting but have not resigned, Mohammed said the directive might be extended to them.

He explained, “As of this moment, the mandate I have is for members of the Federal Executive Council. Subsequently, it might affect other political appointees but that will be made known.
“If there is going to be any amendment or any inclusion, you will be informed in due course,” he said.