UPDATE: Gusau denies quitting Jonathan’s cabinet

General Aliyu Gusau has denied resigning from office as defence minister. The Presidency has said that General Aliyu Gusau remains the Minister of Defence. Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, at a press conference in Abuja today, dispelled reports that Gusau had resigned his appointment. Abati stressed that Gusau was absent at today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) […]

General Aliyu Gusau has denied resigning from office as defence minister.

The Presidency has said that General Aliyu Gusau remains the Minister of Defence.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, at a press conference in Abuja today, dispelled reports that Gusau had resigned his appointment.

Abati stressed that Gusau was absent at today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting with the permission of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“There was a report by an online medium that Lt. General Aliyu Gusau has resigned his appointment as minister of defence. General Gusau remains in office as minister of defence. He was absent at today’s  Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting with the permission. He was absent at the FEC meeting, and this particular online medium cited that in support of its allegation that he has resigned. But he was absent at the meeting with the permission of Mr President.

“The story is not true. He remains in office. He himself has clarified and issued a statement. I think this further clarification is necessary before we are confronted with a situation whereby all kinds of stories emanate from speculation and the story begins to develop undesirable branches”, he said.

 

The Ministry of Defence has denied online reports that the newly appointed Minister of Defence, lieutenant General Aliyu Gusau (rtd), has resigned.

A statement by the Director of Media at the Ministry of Defence, Shehu Maikai refuted the resignation reports.

He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a media posting on social media networks to the effect that the honorable Minister of Defence, Lt. General Aliyu Gusau has resigned and wish to state categorically that the minister has not resigned his appointment.”

Mr Maikai added that, “we thank all those that have called to verify the rumor and reassures you all that Lieutenant Gen. Aliyu Gusau remains the Minister of Defence.”

 

Speaking to Daily Trust on the phone, the Ministry of Defence spokesman declined to comment on the rumor that the Minster resigned because of an altercation with the Service Chiefs.

 

On 5 March 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Gusau as Defence minister. Two days later on 7 March, he and minister of state for Defence, Musliu Obanikoro took over at the Ministry of Defence.

EARLIER TODAY
Speaking to Daily Trust today through one of his aides, Mr Adebisi Adekunle, the minister described the rumours of his resignation as unfounded.

“It is not true, please. The report is false and unfounded”, Adekunle said.

When approached to confirm the development, the spokesman of the Federal Government and Information Minister, Mr Labaran Maku, said he was not aware.

“I am not aware of his (Gusau’s) resignation”, the minister said.

Our correspondent reports that General Gusau was absent at today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.