***directs ministers to continue work till May 29
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday dashed the expectations of Nigerians who were anxiously waiting for the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its last meeting on Wednesday, as he has asked all ministers to continue work till May 29, when he is expected to hand over to the president – elect, Bola Tinubu.
This is as the president thanked his ministers and State House staff who worked with him in the past eight years.
Buhari, who presided over the last FEC meeting under his administration, on Wednesday, expressed his satisfaction with the services rendered by his cabinet, saying they gave their best to Nigerians.
Speaking at a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House Council Chamber, the President thanked all the ministers for their steadfastness in pursuing the goals of the administration, urging support for the incoming President.
Buhari, according to a statement issued after the session by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said, “I am proud to say we gave our best.’’
The President however, 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.
He attributed 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 will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29th, 2015, one of such is my favorite 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.
Many had expected that the president would dissolve his cabinet at the Valedictory Federal Executive Council meeting, but Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed dismissed reports that the president had dissolved the Federal Executive Council at the last FEC meeting.