Fails to dissolve Cabinet; Seeks Senate Approval For Payment Of N226bn, $556.8m, £98.5m
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja participated in a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and met with staff of the State House.
He however failed to dissolve his cabinet, a development which the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed later explained as an endorsement for Ministers to work till May 29, 2023.
The president’s engagement was part of a countdown on his eight years of administration, expressing appreciation for all the support and loyalty of the cabinet members and the staff.
In his remark at the valedictory session held at the State House Council Chamber, Buhari thanked all the ministers for their steadfastness in pursuing the goals of the administration.
The president however urged support for the incoming President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, even from outside government.
Buhari appreciated the ministers for working closely together, despite many odds and challenges, and sustaining the synergy that translated into many achievements.
“I am proud to say we gave our best,’’ he added.
The president directed the ministers to tidy up their work and avoid last-minute rush that could compromise the good deeds they had done over the years.
“In the cause of our years together, ranging from our newest addition to the oldest members of the team for the past seven and half years, we have differed on many issues.
”I urge that we understand that those positions were for the collective good, and no one should keep grievances, or carry these differences forward.
“For those of us that will not directly be in government, I know that I am one of such, I ask that we continue to provide our support, in whatever way we can, if called upon by our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), that gave us the platform to stand and we must continue to support it in every way we can,’’ he said.
The president attributed all the good work and goodwill received by the administration to God’s intervention, adding: “I also thank God for the strength and for keeping us together.’’
“I look forward to a great many of you, disproving that Daura has not become too distant because I am no longer Mr President.
President Muhammad Buhari
“I will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29, 2015, one of such is my favourite pastime of taking care of my cattle.
“I wish all of us the best and hope to hear good news whenever any of our names are mentioned. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he stated.
Buhari also met with members of Staff of the State House, lauding both the senior and junior workers for supporting his administration for eight years.
He noted that the administration had stretched to accommodate the views of workers and to meet some of their needs within available resources.
in another development, President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval Senate to issue a promissory note for the payment of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 judgment debt owed by the Federal Government.
Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the President of Senate Ahmed, Lawan and read at plenary on Wednesday.
Buhari in the letter said: “Distinguished Senate President, you may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of March 29, 2023, approved the liquidations of top priority judgment debts and general debts owed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the issuance of promissory notes.“The judgment debts are to be settled through the issuance of promissory notes which will then be redeemed over time through provisions in the budgets of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
”Thus debt securities have been issued for the settlement of the judgment debts and approval of the National Assembly is required for this purpose.“In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the Senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution the settlement of the top priority debts incurred by Federal MDAs in the sum of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 through the issuance of promissory notes.
“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning shall provide any information that may be required by the Senate for the consideration of this request.
”Senate also at plenary passed for first reading five bills. The bills include Federal Medical Centres Act Amendment Bill 2023 sponsored by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), Federal Teaching Hospital, Markurdi, Benue State Establishment Bill,2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),
Others are the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Act Amendment Bill,2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),and Federal University of Petroleum Technology, Ohaji -Egbema Establishment Bill,2023 by Sen.Rochas Okorocha.
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