PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan refuted media reports that Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, as the Minister of Youths Development, was sacked earlier in the week for his alleged ‘closeness and loyalty’ to one of the governors perceived to be at loggerheads with Mr. President.
Jonathan explained that this was not so and that the reason for the Honourable Minister’s sack was because of his serial failure to provide the required necessary leadership to move the ministry forward in line with the presidential mandate expected of the holder of that position.
The Presidential Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, stated that “While many media outlets erroneously attributed the minister’s sacking to his disloyalty or closeness to a particular governor or governors said to be opposed to the President, the most disingenuous and malicious speculation was by a national newspaper which claimed that Alhaji Abdulkadir was fired for failing to ensure that a pro-Jonathan candidate emerged as president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).”
He added that nothing could be further from the truth as the President regards all Nigerian youths as his wards and constituents. Therefore, he said, claims that he had a preferred candidate in the NYCN elections were completely baseless and without justification as there was absolutely no reason for him to prefer one candidate over others.
According to the statement, “President Jonathan remains sincerely and unwaveringly committed to doing all within his powers to promote the credibility and integrity of the electoral process at all levels in the country.
“He firmly believes that a culture of free, fair and credible election must be constantly nurtured and encouraged amongst Nigerian youth and all other sections of the country.
“In point of fact, it was Alhaji Abdulkadir’s regrettable deviation from this presidential commitment in the management of the NYCN elections that led to the decision to relieve him of his appointment as Minister of Youth Development.
“President Jonathan was very displeased with the mishandling of the NYCN elections in Makurdi and Minna by the Ministry of Youth Development which resulted in the unfortunate fractionalization of the youth council.
“The President found the Ministry’s failure to provide appropriate leadership towards open and transparent youth council elections unacceptable.
“President Jonathan is sincerely committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Nigerian youth, on whom the country’s aspirations for a bright and prosperous future depend, are given the best possible upbringing and orientation.
“The President therefore expects all officials of his administration to exhibit greater rectitude and sensitivity on issues related to youth development, and comport themselves at all times in a manner worthy of emulation by Nigerian youth.”
