Leadership (Abuja)
Iyobosa Uwugiaren
9 September 2008
After nearly three weeks of controversy over President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's reported failing health, he appeared in public functions yesterday and carried out two important assignments: removal of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, and the formal decoration of the recently appointed Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs with their new ranks.
In a press release signed by his Special Adviser (Communications), Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, the President also announced the appointment of Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed as the new SGF. Until his appointment yesterday, Ahmed was the Minister of Defence.
His re-assignment, according to the statement, took effect from yesterday.
A presidency source told LEADERSHIP yesterday that the sacking of Kinigbe has to do with a security report, which recently indicted him, the former chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih and some of his senior aides over several secret meetings, on who would succeed Yar'Adua, at the peak of the rumour of his death.
"Chief Anenih was very smart to have issued a statement during the weekend describing those plotting to remove Yar'Adua as political rascals. But in actual fact, he spearheaded the plot," our source stated.
"It is unacceptable for the SGF to be discussing who will succeed the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria with some prominent PDP chieftaints and ministers, because of a minor ill-health of the President.
"Kingibe and his group will be lucky if they escape prosecution in the hands of security agencies."LEADERSHIP gathered last night that Kingibe, Anenih and others may be asked by security agencies to tell them the real agenda of their several meetings.
Our correspondent also gathered that some ministers would be asked to go next week, as part of the President's effort to reposition his government and get serious with government policies and programmes.
Meanwhle, President Yar'Adua yesterday restated the government's commitment to security and the repositioning of the nation's armed forces, saying only that can bring about the country's development and advancement of its security interests.
The President stated this while decorating the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike and other Service Chiefs for the Nigeria Army, Navy and Air Force, at the Aso Rock Villa.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new officers to bring about the needed change, adding, "There is no doubt that these are worthy officers whose patriotism, loyalty, dedication, courage, and commitment to professional excellence stand them in good stead to effectively run our armed services at this time in our national history."
According to him, "This event is coming at a time when we are resolutely focused on repositioning our armed forces for Nigeria's development and security challenges in the face of the realities of the 21st century technology and knowledge-driven world.
"It is noteworthy that security is one of the major planks of our Administration's Seven-point Agenda for Nigeria's sustained economic growth and socio-political development."
Yar'Adua said the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for their worthy contributions to the re-engineering of the armed forces with a view to achieving enhanced compactness, mobility, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
"While wishing them every success in their future endeavours, it is my hope that they will always stand ready to avail the nation of their rich experience and worthy endowments.
"These times call for rededication on the part of every Nigerian to worthy contribution to the positive transformation of all facets of our national life. It is gratifying to note that our armed forces have proven to be productive partners in our democratic consolidation and economic development efforts."
He reassured Nigerians that his Administration remains unwavering in its pursuit of the requisite macro-economic and structural reforms, as well as the concretisation of transparent, consistent, stable, and predictable policies necessary for the attainment of Vision 2020.
"Fellow Nigerians, in this holy month of Ramadan, my prayer is for Almighty Allah's consummate peace and continued benevolence on our nation and all the people of this country", he added.
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