Buhari says he didn’t know ministers, top officials in his govt before appointing them

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, contrary to allegations by many that he is nepotistic in his appointments, has said that he did not know many top officials in his government, including ministers, before giving them appointments in his administration.

He said that the only knowledge he had about them was when he came across their names from the records he was given to work with.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who stated this in a statement on Wednesday, quoted President Buhari as making the claim during a state dinner organised in his honour at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of activities marking his state visit.

Buhari, who added that his appointments were based on merit, expressed joy that he has a good team.

He said, “Some of the people holding high positions in the government, like my ministers, will tell you that I didn’t know them from Adam.

“I just came across their names from the records and I worked with the records. I thank God that I have a very good team.”

The President applauded his host governor, Dave Umahi for his development strides in the state. “The absolute commitment of the governor to his position is very remarkable and I am very impressed,” he said.

READ ALSO: Fayose knocks APC over El’Rufai’s plans to sack 22,00 teachers

Buhari, who described Nigeria as a great country with incredible resources and highly talented people, indulged the people of the state, zone and all Nigeria to continue to pray to God so that “the elites that will be in-charge of the country in the future will fear God.”

While some have accused Buhari of appointing his relatives in top government positions in his government, others alleged that his appointments are lopsided with more northern Muslims.

 

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now