“My Cabinet Will Be Ready By The End Of This Month”, Buhari Promises

In a statement written by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari gave assurance on his cabinet at a Press Conference with President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana.

Buhari stated: “After I was sworn in, I said I would have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September if I do not do so.”

According to This Day, Buhari also stated that the Nigerian military, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), had recorded remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed office as president. “The first thing I did after I came into office was to reorganise the military and clear orders were given to them in terms of retraining, re-equipping and redeployment of troops. In the North-east, the military is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been limited to Sambisa Forest. Internally displaced persons are gradually moving back home and they are being reintegrated into their respective communities.”

On the declaration of assets, the President told reporters that it is a constitutional requirement and all public officers should declare their assets before and after their time in office. He stated: “I recall that in 1975 when late Murtala Mohammed became the Head of State, we were lined up – governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council.  Officials of the Ministry of Justice were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets. All heads of states and government, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement. I have declared my assets four times. When I was governor in 1975, I declared. After being made Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a President, I have also declared.”

President Mahama said both leaders had promising discussions on how to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional security. Mahama said Nigeria and Ghana would soon begin the process of reviving their joint commission for cooperation. The Ghanaian President added that both leaders also agreed to encourage closer cooperation between intelligence and anti-graft agencies of both countries. He thanked Buhari for his visit and assured him of Ghana’s support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.