Buhari directs new ministers to conduct sector research, consult with experts, seek wise advice

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, reshuffled four ministers and assigned portfolios to the seven ne appointees, charging them to serve the nation diligently, maintain unalloyed loyalty to the country and office of the president.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said this during the swearing-in ceremony, which preceded a virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

President Buhari said as his administration is on the home-stretch of its second term, more work still needed to be done in diverse areas of the economy and national life.

The president also re-assigned four ministers to new ministries. The ministers are: Olorunnimbe Mamora, Minister of Science and Technology (formerly Minister of State, Health); Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, Minister of Transportation (formerly Minister of State, Works and Housing); Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State, Niger Delta (formerly Minister of State, Environment) and Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development (formerly Minister of State, Transportation).

The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh, Minister of State, Science and Technology; Umana Umana, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Udi Odum, Minister of State, Environment; Ademola Adegoroye, Minister of State, Transport; Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, Minister of State, Works and Housing; Goodluck Opiah, Minister of State, Education and Nkama Ekumankama, Minister of State, Health.  

The president said the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.

Buhari urged the newest members of his cabinet to consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programmes already initiated by this administration.

He also warned all members of the cabinet against corrupt practices, reiterating that public officers must be above board and those caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law.