APC dismisses PDP criticism saying it does not appoint thugs and mistresses as ministers

RULING party the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Muhammadu Buhari's recent ministerial appointments saying that unlike the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) it does not appoint thugs and mistresses as ministers.

 

Earlier this week, President Buhari swore in 36 ministers and allocated portfolios to them, creating his cabinet. His delay in naming the ministers attracted a lot of criticism from the PDP, who questioned why it took him so long to form his cabinet since assuming office on May 29.

 

In addition, the PDP has claimed that the appointments do not represent the much talked-about change as many of the appointees are old hands who have served in government before. However, the APC faulted the position PDP claim, saying the argument was warped and a product of defeat hangover.

 

AOC secretary Mallam Mai Buni, advised the PDP to face its business and stop running down the APC- government, saying that the task of rebuilding the country was everybody’s responsibility. He also commended President Buhari for his choice of ministers, adding that their smooth clearance by the senate attested to the leadership skills of the president, who it said had restored Nigeria to the path of greatness.

 

Mallam Buni said: “The PDP should face its rebranding pursuit instead of running down a performing government. APC is not a party which will assign portfolios to miscreants, thugs and mistresses as was rampant during the misrule period of PDP.

 

“The task of rebuilding Nigeria is a responsibility of every citizen. Rather than sit on the fence to find faults, the opposition should join hands with the president to re-fix the nation."

 

He added that every member of the Federal Executive Council is tested and trusted and the meticulous assigning of portfolios on Wednesday was also a signal to Nigerians that their electoral investment in the APC was not a waste. Mallam Buni noted that the president’s management of the portfolios had strengthened the nation’s unity, promoted excellence, provided hope for Nigeria’s rebirth and prepared the nation for the future.

 

President Buhari, who also named permanent secretaries this week, has warned them that in the course of their duties, they must avoid actions or inactions that may frustrate or sabotage the efforts of the new ministers and the federal government. He said was aware that some permanent secretaries and other top civil servants had sabotaged the country’s ministers in the past, warning them that his administration would not condone such conduct.