[BREAKING] 2023: Buhari Extends Resignation Order To Other Appointees
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered all political appointees in his administration to resign if they want to run in the 2023 elections.
The president announced the order in a circular released by Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the federal government, on Wednesday night (SGF).
The president’s order came just hours after another instructing ministers to quit by May 16.
The current directive, which is in accordance with section 84(12) of the election act, requires all implicated individuals to resign from their positions by Monday.
Mr. President has observed and noted the expression of interest and intention by some members of the Federal Executive Council, heads of extra-ministerial departments, agencies, parastatals of government, ambassadors and other political office holders to contest the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, national and state assemblies’ elections,” the document reads.
“Consequently, Mr. President has directed that the affected office holders aspiring to run for various offices in the 2023 general election, should tender their resignation on or before Monday, the 16th of May, 2022.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this directive affects all ministers, heads and members of extra-ministerial departments, agencies and parastatals of government, ambassadors, as well as other political appointees who desire to contest for elective offices.
For smooth running of the machinery of government and our foreign missions, affected ministers are to hand over to ministers of state where they exist or to the permanent secretary, where there is no minister of state.
“Ambassadors shall hand over to their deputy heads of mission or the most senior foreign service officer in line with established practices.
“Similarly, heads of extra-ministerial departments, agencies and parastatals are to hand over to the most senior director/officer as may be peculiar to the organisation, in line with the service wide Circular No. SGF.50/S. Il/C.2/268 of 4th December, 2017.
“The contents of this circular and the incidental directives take effect immediately.”
Some of the appointees seeking elective positions include Abubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation (AGF) who is seeking to contest the Kebbi governorship; Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, who is running for president; and Chris Ngige, minister of labour, amongst others.
