The Presidency has moved to set the record straight, clarifying that both Wale Edun and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa left the cabinet of their own accord and were not removed from office.
Presidential spokesperson and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement shared on X on Wednesday, explaining that Edun’s departure was driven by health concerns. According to the statement, Edun formally submitted his resignation before President Tinubu publicly announced his replacement.
The resignation came on what happened to be Edun’s 70th birthday, with the former minister using the occasion to express gratitude to the President. In his resignation letter, Edun reflected warmly on his time in the administration, crediting the President’s leadership for Nigeria’s improved standing and resilience. He subsequently paid a farewell visit to the President at the Presidential Villa before departing to attend to his private business interests.
Dangiwa, similarly, is said to have voluntarily stepped down, also conveying his appreciation to the President for the privilege of serving in the Federal Executive Council.
President Tinubu, in turn, acknowledged the contributions of both outgoing ministers to the administration’s economic reform efforts and thanked them for their service. He charged incoming Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele with building on existing reforms and pursuing the administration’s fiscal goals with greater focus, discipline, and fresh thinking.
Meanwhile, the President is expected to transmit the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
