Stay away from corruption, Buhari warns new ministers

 President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, warned that any of the seven newly installed ministers “caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law”.

This was as he urged them to avoid corruption saying public officers must be above board.

According to a statement signed on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President issued the warning at the swearing-in ceremony, which preceded the virtual Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh (Minister of State, Science and Technology); Umana Umana (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs); Udi Odum (Minister of State, Environment); Ademola Adegoroye (Minister of State, Transport); Umar El-Yakub (Minister of State, Works and Housing); Goodluck Opiah (Minister of State, Education) and Nkama Ekumankama (Minister of State, Health.)

Speaking to the new cabinet members, Buhari called for collaboration with their older colleagues and announced the reassignment of portfolios in his cabinet, saying the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.

He said, ‘‘I begin this address by welcoming on board, all newly sworn-in members of the Federal Executive Council. I also congratulate you because the process that you all passed through to reach this stage has been rigorous and meticulous.

‘‘I, therefore, urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty that imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country.