Ministers to remain in office till May 29, says FG

The Federal Government on Wednesday debunked rumours that President Muhammadu Buhari has dissolved his cabinet, adding that ministers will remain in office until the swearing-in of a new government on May 29.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, who debunked the rumours while briefing State House journalists, after the valedictory meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, said the ministers have been asked to remain in their offices until the new administration takes over

“Gentlemen, we are aware that fake news has been trending on social media while we were at the valedictory meeting of FEC, to the effect that Mr. President has dissolved his cabinet.

“Let me say categorically that there is no truth in it. The president has asked all the ministers to go back to their offices and continue their work until the new administration takes over on May 29.

Mohammed, who noted that the valedictory FEC meeting was used by all the ministers to show “appreciation to the president and Nigerians for the opportunity to serve the country, added that “the ministers will continue to be present in their official capacities during the transition period.

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“The ministers will continue to play their roles during the investiture of the president-elect with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger GCON ) on the vice president-elect, Kashim Shittima.

Also speaking, Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, said FEC approved the issuance of a multipurpose card by banks that will harmonise all the critical data of citizens, including the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity/Identification Module (SIM)

The SIM is the removable card inside a cell phone that stores data unique to the user, such as an identification number, passwords, phone numbers, and messages.
Pantami disclosed that the government has signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enable all banks to issue such multipurpose card when demanded by the client. He noted that the process, aside being automated, will facilitate easy replacement of the SIM card when necessary.