Leadership (Abuja)
Chuks Ohuegbe
10 September 2008
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, yesterday moved ahead with the process of making his final exit from the Yar'Adua Administration by returning his diplomatic passport to the government.
The return of the passport was connected with his removal as SGF by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua on Monday.
LEADERSHIP gathered from the Presidency that Kingibe's handing over of the traveling documents was in compliance with "normal tradition".
His removal from office has unsettled his close political associates, especially those believed to have attended some meetings with him while Yar'Adua was away in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj and medical attention.
Meanwhile, the President will preside over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) today, the first since his return from Saudi Arabia. However, there are strong indications that the meeting may be the last for some of the cabinet members, as a surprise awaits them after the meeting: there will be a major cabinet reshuffle.
The reshuffle, which will be the first since Yar'Adua assumed office on May 29, 2007, would likely sweep away no fewer than 10 ministers.
It is believed in many quarters that Yar'Adua was not wholly responsible for the composition of the incumbent cabinet. The composition is believed to have been influenced by his predecessor in office, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
LEADERSHIP checks confirmed that a list of ministerial nominees have been compiled, which the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly, Senator Abba Aji, would sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation in lieu with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Meanwhile, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has said that the removal of Kingibe was in the national interest.
He told newsmen yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, that elected representatives and political appointees ought to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
"That is part of our fate. Today you are there, and tomorrow you are not. I think what we should pray for is that we are able to discharge our responsibilities creditably at all times," he said.
On the recent boat mishap in his state, Aliyu reiterated that it was the handiwork of his political opponents as information at his disposal had confirmed that.
The governor added that he was awaiting an official report on the matter from the police.
Aliyu said the state House of Assembly had also promised to investigate the matter.
"Those who survived the mishap confirmed to us that some boys came to capsize the boat.
"For now, the police is investigating the matter.
"But I have no reason to doubt the information provided by my Commissioner for Higher Education, the Chairman of the Revenue Board and my Special Assistant on Drug Control," he added.
"Four state government officials survived the mishap in which three persons died and I am awaiting the outcome of the official investigation.
"On Monday, when we had a valedictory service at the state House of Assembly, members also promised to investigate the matter".
Other prominent Nigerians who reacted to the removal of Kingibe included a former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, describing the exercise as normal.
Falae said that since Kingibe was a political appointee, the person who appointed him had the right to remove him from the office. "His boss must have reason for asking him to go."
"When I was appointed SSG didn't think I would last for one year because you may have cause to disagree with your boss. His removal is strange because it happened at a time the President is ill," Falae stressed.
Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) chairman, Oluwatosin Akeredolu, said, "Kingibe's appointment was a political one and, therefore, he is at the mercy of his employer. I don't see anything wrong with it."
Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress (AC), Lagos State , Mr. Joe Igokwe, said Kingigbe "has never been a loyal, committed and honest person all his life."
Meanwhile, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the new SGF, yesterday pledged transparency and sincerity in the administration of public affairs.
He made the pledge at a ceremony in Abuja during which Kingibe handed over to him.
He said the application of the virtues would be done with deepest sense of humility and the fear of God.
"I was privileged to serve Nigeria as Head of Service of the Federation. Tough and overwhelming as my assignment appeared, I never for one day underestimated the enormity of the responsibility attached to the office of the SGF, which by the grace of Allah, I am occupying today,'' he said.
He described Kingibe as a highly respected public officer with international repute who had in the last 13 years regarded him as a younger brother.
"We should pray to Allah for Kingibe to continue to be relevant in running the affairs of this country, and be a witness to the success he had achieved in his calling throughout his life as a public servant," he added.
He urged Kingibe to always make available his wisdom and professional capabilities to help others develop.
Earlier, Kingibe had said that he was happy to hand over to a worthier and more meritorious successor whose experience, capabilities, dedication to duty and tenacity in the pursuit of set goals were overwhelming.
"These qualities and those of patriotism, love and personal loyalty to the President, which we both share, have more than well prepared you for this office and the onerous responsibilities that go with it,'' he said.
He added, "My tenure as the SGF was at the pleasure of the President, as you know, it was him and him alone who took the decision to appoint me. And the singular consideration of this was always in my mind in all my actions and will abide in me always."
Kingibe was appointed as the SGF in June 2007 and served for 15 months.
Ahmed was until his present appointment the Minister of Defence.
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