The Presidency on Wednesday clarified that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the immediate past Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, were not sacked but resigned from their positions.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was disclosed that both ministers voluntarily stepped down from the Federal Executive Council, with Edun citing health concerns.
Edun, who turned 70 on Monday, was said to have formally submitted his resignation letter before Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his replacement on Tuesday. In his letter, he appreciated the opportunity to serve, stating, “It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
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.”
The former finance minister was also reported to have paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, where he held a closed-door meeting before departing to focus on his private business interests.
Similarly, Dangiwa tendered his resignation and expressed gratitude to the President for the chance to serve in the cabinet. The architect, who previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank and Secretary to the Katsina State Government, was appointed minister in August 2023.
The Presidency commended both former ministers for their contributions to the administration’s economic and housing reforms, noting that their service had a positive impact on government policies.
Meanwhile, the President has tasked the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, with consolidating ongoing reforms and strengthening fiscal discipline in line with the administration’s economic agenda.
The President is also expected to forward the name of a new ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, to the Senate for confirmation in the coming days.
