Femi Adesina: Buhari’s directive on resignation of political appointees timely
Femi Adesina, the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, said on Thursday his principal’s to ministers and other political appointees seeking elective positions in 2023 to resign came at the right time.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday directed the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other political appointees with designs in next year’s elections to leave their posts latest by May 16.
A few hours later the quartet of Godwill Akpabio (Niger Delta), Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology) and Emeka Nwajiuba (Education) left the cabinet.
Adesina stated this when he featured in a Channels Television programme, Politics Today.
He said: “That was the right time for it. When it is time for something it is done. When it is done prematurely, it is not the right time.”
“I read that the Minister of Science and Technology has resigned, but I cannot confirm that any of them has indeed resigned.
“Because their resignation letter will not come directly to the President, but to the SGF.
“It is the SGF that will confirm. If the SGF has not transmitted such to the president, how would I know?
“There’s a Federal Executive Council meeting tomorrow. Everybody that is exiting the government, is meeting the President 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).
“I think it is even in their own interests to resign so that they can concentrate on their aspirations. And it is also in the interest of the government.
“The King’s word is powerful. When the president speaks, it has the force of law behind it. Anybody that needed to see him, should see him.
“We can’t preempt the President. He left a window of opportunity open, that any one of them that need to see him concerning the directive should do so.
“Anybody who was serious to run, and had paid, should follow the directive.
“You recall the interview the president granted to your station. He said he has a preferred candidate, but he would not disclose to avoid any mischief from happening. That shows he will be involved in the process; but whether he would impose the candidate, we cannot say.”