Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, has clarified that Wale Edun, former minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, resigned from office on health grounds and was not sacked.
In a statement on Wednesday, Onanuga explained that Edun submitted his resignation before President Bola Tinubu approved the cabinet reshuffle.
He noted that Edun, who turned 70 on Monday, had been dealing with health challenges and chose to step aside.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration,” Edun wrote in his resignation letter, thanking the president for the opportunity.
Onanuga added that Edun visited Tinubu at the presidential villa for a valedictory meeting before leaving office.
The presidential aide also clarified that Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, former minister of housing and urban development, similarly resigned from the federal executive council.
He noted that Dangiwa expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve.
Tinubu had earlier approved a cabinet reshuffle, appointing Taiwo Oyedele as the new minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.
The president also nominated Muttaqha Rabe Darma as minister-designate for housing and urban development, subject to senate confirmation.
Onanuga said Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of both ministers to his administration’s reform agenda and wished them well.
He added that the president has tasked Oyedele with consolidating ongoing reforms and driving the government’s economic objectives.
