Revelation into why President Muhammadu Buhari failed to inject fresh hands into his cabinet for a straight four-year term, despite subtle pressure from a cross section of Nigerians, emerged on Wednesday, just as the president hosted his team to a valedictory session at the State House, Abuja. May 23, 2019
Buhari, who said heated debates sometimes characterise their weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, also said they enable them make rational decision on the long run.
But contrary to the expectation of Nigerians, the president failed to dissolve his cabinet on May 22, hinging it on the unique skills and strength that each of the ministers has.
He said the diversity in thought of the ministers were a reflection of the diversity of the entire country, hence every opinion mattered and needed to be considered thoroughly.
“Although we all had a common vision, we frequently had heated debates in this room on the best way to achieve our goals. These differing views are what made the decisions we took all the more rational.
“It is this quality that made me retain my cabinet for the full term. Each of you in this room has a unique skill and strength. We are a reflection of the Nigeria we aspire to achieve. A diverse but tolerant nation where no one is silenced and where every opinion should be heard and considered,” the president stated at the valedictory session.
While mandating the ministers to continue to hold brief in their respective ministries and submit their handover notes to their permanent secretaries on May 28, which happens to be the eve of his official swearing-in for a fresh four-year term, Buhari said they ought to be proud of contributing their quota to the development of the country, especially with the initial challenges that trailed the current administration.
Read more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/news/why-i-refused-to-sack-ministers-in-4-years-president-buhari
