Cabinet reshuffle imminent, as Buhari promises to ‘expand’, ‘inject’ fresh ideas into govt

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday gave the clearest indication yet that his administration would tamper with the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which comprises mainly of Ministers.

Alluding to an imminent cabinet reshuffle, he hinted, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting Tuesday in Abuja that he would ‘expand’, and ‘inject’ fresh ideas into FEC.

Buhari said, “Last year I said we would re-constitute the Boards of Parastatals. I must regret the fact that we have not done so, for many reasons.

“Some of us in this meeting may know I had given instructions since October 2015 for this exercise to start. But there have been inordinate delays through several committees in an attempt to get the balance right and to make sure all parts of the country are equitably represented.

“On the other hand, I am keenly aware that our supporters are very eager for these appointments to be announced. By the grace of God these appointments will be announced soon. Especially now that the economy is improving, we will have the resources to cater for the appointees.

“By the same token the compressed Federal Executive Council will be expanded to bring in more supporters at Federal Level, with fresh ideas to be injected into the government.”

Buhari had earlier in his speech commended the NEC members for their prayers when he was sick and also thanked them for assisting in making sure government kept running smoothly while he was away in the United Kingdom due to a yet-to-be disclosed ailment.

“Let me on a personal note thank you all for your prayers and good wishes, which the Almighty Allah answered in the restoration of my health. I wish to thank you all party leaders for helping to keep the government running smoothly during my prolonged absence,” he said.

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He also appreciated the national chairman of the party, the leadership of the both chambers of the National Assembly as well as the party state governors for all their efforts.

“I would like to start by commending our party leadership chaired by His Excellency, Chief John Oyegun. The chairman and I worked harmoniously during 1984-85 in a previous government. Happily, circumstances have brought us again to positions of leadership in the country.

“I want to thank Chief Oyegun and his staff for steering the party in the last two and a half years. Sometimes it is easier to manage failure than to manage success – and a big success such as that we have achieved.

“I must also commend the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Rt. Hon. Speaker Mr. Yakubu Dogara. I must place on record the cooperation and understanding of the National Assembly including some non-APC members who rose above petty party interests and acted in the national interest.

“My deep thanks also go to our State Governors who faced stiff challenges, especially their determination to maintain unity and tolerance among our communities. This is in the face of unnecessary politically motivated strife and violence. Credit should go to APC Governors for extending their hand of fellowship to their colleagues from other parties.

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“In my remarks to the Caucus meeting yesterday, I enumerated the progress that our government has made in the implementation of the programs of government and the Party Manifesto.

“We can be proud of our achievements in the last two years, Boko Haram, Niger Delta, Regular Fuel, Improved Power, TSA, Agriculture and Fertilizer, above all, the knowledge that corruption will not be tolerated in this Government. We all know there is CHANGE.

“Nigeria’s prestige has gone up, Nigeria is now credit –worthy, a clear testimony of which was the over-subscription of the Euro-Bond by 4 times. Nevertheless, we are not resting on our achievements. I am quite aware of the challenges before us.

“Let me thank you all again for the commitment and dedicated service to our party and to remind you that much more will be required of you in the coming months. I hope we can continue to depend on you.
“If we keep united and rise above petty or personal quarrels we will surely achieve the desired CHANGE in the country,” he said.

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