President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday left ministers in suspense as he met with them for the last time. His tenure ends on May 29 but he will on the same day take another oath of office as he begins his second term after winning the presidential election on February 23.

Yesterday at a valedictory cabinet meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja President Buhari asked the ministers to work until Tuesday and then give their handing over notes to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

“You will recall that when we started this journey, our country was facing numerous challenges. We inherited a broken economy which eventually went into recession in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2016.

“The situation was further compounded by insecurity and massive corruption. Many would have given up. Indeed, many outside commentators said our situation was well-nigh hopeless.

“However, we all came together and pushed forward to deliver our campaign promise to rescue our country from its parlous state. Although we all had a common vision, we frequently had heated debates in this room on the best way to achieve our goals.

“These differing views are what made the decisions we took all the more rational. It is this quality that made me retain my cabinet for the full term,” he said.

The president said each of the cabinet member has a unique skill and strength, noting that they are a reflection of the Nigeria they aspire to achieve.

“A diverse but tolerant nation where no one is silenced and where every opinion should be heard and considered. I want you all to leave this meeting proud to have served your nation to the best of your ability,” he said.

“Although today (yesterday) is our last council meeting, I expect all of you to continue working until Tuesday, 28th May 2019 when you will officially hand over your schedules to your respective Permanent Secretaries.

“Your handing over letters should be submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” he said.

•Excerpted from a Daily Trust report. Photo shows President Muhammadu Buhari (8th left), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (7th left), Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (7th right), Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred E. Oyo-Ita (6th right) and other council members, shortly after the Federal Executive Council’s valedictory meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

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