Buhari's Top Minister Speaks on APC Directive Asking Aspirants to Resign
- The minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige has reacted to the recent APC directive asking aspirants to resign
- In a chat with newsmen on Wednesday, Ngige disclosed he would stand firm on the guidelines by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- The minister who earlier declared his intention to join the 2023 race amid the ASUU strike, noted further that such development is not a necessary discussion in the polity at the moment
Chris Ngige, the minister of labour and employment, says the provisions of the 1999 constitution will guide his decision on when to resign from office over his presidential ambition, The Cable reports.
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had issued new guidelines for the conduct of its activities for the 2023 general election.
The guidelines include a section asking political appointees to resign before the party’s primaries if they are interested in contesting in the 2023 elections.
Source: Facebook
Ngige's position
Speaking on the development on Wednesday, April 27, while addressing journalists, Ngige said he was not aware of the guidelines, but added that his resignation will be in line with the 1999 constitution which provides for public office holders interested in elective offices to resign 30 days before polls.
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He said:
“I don’t know about that. I’m hearing for the first time from you. But like I always say, I’ll be guided by the letters and spirit of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria."
According to Sahara Reporters, the minister added that he has not received any specific instruction from the APC on his ambition.
Ngige affirmed:
“I have not seen that pronouncement from the party. I have not seen any release from the party. It has not been conveyed to me or to anybody. I’m a presidential aspirant. So, I’ll find out and if it is true, I would then know what to do.”
2023: New APC guidelines give Amaechi, Ngige 72 hours to resign
A new guideline released by the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) has stipulated that all political appointees who aspire to participate in its primary elections at all levels must resign at least 30 days after the conduct of the primaries.
The new guideline automatically means transportation minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his labour and employment counterpart, Senator Chris Ngige must resign within three days or forget their 2023 presidential ambitions.
The duo who are gunning for the 2023 presidency, are also former governors of Rivers and Anambra states respectively.
2023 presidency: Chris Ngige's declaration despite alleged roles in ASUU, NARD strikes raises fresh questions
As the struggle for the 2023 presidential ticket is gradually getting to the crescendo, Nigerians have in their various analyses looked critically at how individuals competing for the presidential ticket have contributed positively to the polity. This will ultimately form the base of their success or failure in their quest for the big seat.
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Ngige declares amid ASUU strike
Labour Minister, Dr Chris Ngige had amid the ongoing struggle between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, declared his intention to contest for the nation's number one seat.
Ngige, who formally declared his intention on April 20, 2023 said there was a burning desire in him that yearned for a prosperous, united, and equitable nation.
Source: Legit.ng
