Jonathan shuffles cabinet following resignations.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday directed the Minister of State II, for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, to take over as the Supervising Minister of Information pending the time a new minister would be named.

The position became vacant following the exit of Mr. Labaran Maku who resigned from the cabinet to enable him contest the forthcoming governorship election in Nassarawa State.

Mohammed announced the development to State House correspondents at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Jonathan.

He said the President also directed the Minister of State I, Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, to take over as the substantive Minister of State, Education following Mr. Nyesom Wike’s resignation.

According to him, Jonathan also directed the Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki (SAN), to act as the Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity following the exit of Chief Emeka Wogu.

He said the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Guasu, would combine his duties with those of the Minister of State, Defence following the resignation of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

According to him, while the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Stephen Oru, will combine his responsibilities with those of the Minister of State, Defence vacated by Dr. Darius Ishaku; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, will combine his duties with those of the Minister of State vacated by Samuel Ortom.

Except for Onwuliri’s deployment, all other appointments were in acting capacity pending the time new ministers would be appointed to fill the vacancies.

Source: Punch