On Wednesday, the Presidency pushed back against characterisations of Tuesday’s cabinet changes as sackings, insisting that both Edun and Dangiwa exited on volition.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that Edun submitted his resignation letter on Monday, the same day he turned 70, citing health reasons, before holding an hour-long valedictory meeting with Tinubu at the Villa on Tuesday, ahead of the SGF’s formal announcement.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun
File photo of the Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Presidency quoted Edun as writing in his letter.
He added, “Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future.”
Dangiwa equally submitted a resignation letter in which he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, the Presidency said.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to both men for their contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme.
However, an official close to the President told one of our correspondents that the circumstances leading to Edun’s exit were his approach to funds disbursement to government ministries, departments and agencies.
The official said that complaints from various MDAs about the non-release of budgetary capital allocations had weighed heavily on the decision.
“The main issue is priority spending. That’s all. There were complaints about MDAs not getting money. Edun was simply making money available to what he considers the most pressing priority.
“A bridge will be more important than sending money for changing vehicles for directors in an agency, or gadgets, or new computers.
