UPDATE: Departing ministers to be replaced without delay – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he will replace the ministers who have resigned to contest for the 2023 general elections without delay.

According to a statement by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, President Buhari said this in the valedictory session he had with the appointees on Friday.

The president further said he was sure that a significant number of them have been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the office of the president.

“I have no doubt that if the next President emerges from among former members of this cabinet, like any other aspirants, ample competence and outstanding service delivery would be on display. This will be part of our legacies to Nigerians,” he said.

“I note that some have complied while others are in the process of doing so.

“I would like to use this opportunity to commend your decision and courage to contest for elective offices and your compliance with my directive.

“I also wish to thank you for your invaluable services to this nation through your contributions as Cabinet members.

“I wish you success in the upcoming elections and in your future endeavours.

“With these and much more, I am happy to note that a significant number of cabinet members have become sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the office of the president. This shows the impact of the experience gathered while serving as members of the Federal Executive Council,” the president said.

President Buhari urged the remaining members of the cabinet to show more diligence, resilience and commitment to serve Nigerians better, saying “the journey to the finish line is still very far.”

”Like always, there will be challenges to address, programmes to deliver and policies to implement.

”You must therefore brace up for more work and target increased accomplishments.

”The determination to leave important legacies for Nigerians should never be compromised,” the President told members of his cabinet.

Present at the valedictory session are; Ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva; Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Tayo Alasoadura.

Minister of State (Education), Emeka Nwajiuba, who had earlier tendered his resignation, was not present at the valedictory session.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing ministers, Akpabio thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to nation building.