The minister of state for information Labaran Maku is now the minister of information and communication following the resignation of former minister, Dora Akunyili. Mrs. Akunyili had, on Monday, submitted her resignation letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. An emotional Mrs. Akunyili walked into the press briefing hall yesterday after the Federal Executive Council meeting to confirm speculations that she may be resigning.
"Having reflected over the years about events in Nigeria and in particular in my state, Anambra State, I have come to the conclusion that it is a defining moment in my life when I should make the sacrifice of leaving a comfortable place to go to a more difficult terrain in other to build a better place for Nigeria," she said.
"I have therefore decided to join my governor, Peter Obi, who is doing a great job in Anambra State, in continuing to build that state as an APGA by the grace of God. In this regard, I intend to pick the nomination form today to run for the office of senator representing Anambra central senatorial district."
She then asked for the continued support and prayers of members of the press and the public.
"As I take this step, I ask for your prayers and unflinching support," she said. "I am deeply grateful for your cooperation and partnership without which I wouldn't have succeeded as minister of information and communications."
Missing Akunyili
Mrs. Akunyili then made way for Mr. Maku to take the microphone. In his speech, Mr. Maku wished his predecessor well in her new path of politics, adding that the president had reluctantly accepted the request from her.
"Council today was an emotional one," he said. "As you do know, Akunyili has made her mark in the country since her days as the director-general of NAFDAC, later DG of Yar'Adua/Jonathan campaign organisation and subsequently, minister of information and communication in the federal republic. Our sister is well known to Nigerians for her doggedness, commitment and indeed her service to our nation. Our prayers are with her in her new service. She is a woman in search of making a mark in her country."
Mrs. Akunyili was one of the few ministers who returned to the same ministerial post after the dissolution of former president Umaru Yar'Adua's cabinet by Mr. Jonathan on resumption as acting president. She famously read a memo demanding the ministers' support of the transfer of power to Mr. Jonathan when the late Mr. Yar'Adua became incapacitated earlier in the year while the other ministers were still unwilling to publicly take a stand.
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