In Pictures: Buhari Bids Fayemi Farewell From Cabinet

At today, June 6, 2018, Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, resigned his position.

President Buhari bade Mr Fayemi farewell as the minister exits his cabinet to pursue his Ekiti State gubernatorial ambition.

Buhari said in his farewell message to Fayemi: “I very reluctantly allowed Fayemi to go to his state because of his constructive contributions. As I sat here, I watched every minister that spoke and about his contributions, this revealed not only his intellect but when he is given the necessary time to contribute to important memorandum, he made contributions which show commitment to the progressive of this government and the country.

“By chance, he was given the portfolio of solid minerals and steel development and you know that sector was virtually abandoned. During the colonial days, they took what they wanted from us; tin, columbite and the rest were the priorities until they struck oil somewhere, it was simply priority of investment shifted offshore.

“When he went in, he began to deal with both Nigerians and foreigners that are exploiting the lack of commitment of those who are responsible of that sector before he went there. If you recall the number of children and women that suffered from the effect of mining in Zamfara State and other parts of the country and the people responsible, knowing that Nigeria will dump as decently as possible.

“He only briefed me occasionally but he was packing them out of the country, with the cooperation of some his colleagues he will come here and let me know.

“I hope you will get the Ekiti back for the party. The only time I saw the INEC chair was to insist that voters Education should be emphasized, so that ordinary Nigerians will believe that Nigeria is beginning to respect them and that their PVC is their status.

“And then coupled with the card readers, God willing, we are here with the help of technology because in previous elections and I am in the position to say so having lost three times and got to Supreme Court, I know if not for technology, we will be doing the same thing.

“A lot of constituencies were bought, voters were allocated and results were announced and people were told to go to court if they don’t agree with it.

“Now, for someone who is looking for the next meal, how is he going to get the money to give to SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), to demand for justice for his marginalization.

“So, we thank technology because with the introduction of PVC and the card readers, votes counted. Please go and emphasize this to your constituencies.

“Let Nigerians be respected that they can vote anybody across any party and at any constituency. I think that will give them the pride to voluntarily go and vote. It is not easy to go to Supreme Court three times, but I went through it, I wonder how many people will be proud to go through it in this country.”

“So, we certainly wish you the best of luck but it will take me sometimes to get a substantive minister and more so with the 2019 prospects that I have already indicated.

“But we need a very very strong minister, strong in intellect and courage, so as to make sure that both the Nigerian and foreign collaborators of taking away our resources can be checked effectively.

“We thank you very much for your contribution for your country. Goodbye, we will come for the inauguration.”