In the latest development on Tinubu minister resignations, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, recently Monday resigned his appointment, citing health reasons.

The development was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, Badaru, in a letter dated December 1 to President Bola Tinubu, said he was stepping down “on health grounds.”

The statement added that Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked him “for his services to the nation.”

The 63-year-old, who served as a two-term governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, by Tinubu.

Following his resignation, Tinubu nominated the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as the new Minister of Defence.

However, Badaru was not the first minister to resign or be sacked under the present administration. Tinubu minister resignations and sacking have occurred on multiple occasions since the president assumed office in May 2023.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at other ministers who have resigned their appointments or sacked under Tinubu.

Geoffrey Uche Nnaji

In October, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji left his position as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology after President Bola Tinubu accepted his resignation amid rising allegations.

Nnaji, who was brought into the cabinet in August 2023, bowed out of office and expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve.

He resigned following controversies over his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Explaining the motive behind his resignation, Nnaji said he stepped down from Tinubu’s cabinet to safeguard his integrity and prevent distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement confirming his resignation, Nnaji said the decision came after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

He described his exit as a response to “an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” directed at him and his office.

“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he said.

He clarified that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a step to uphold due process and respect judicial proceedings.

Simon Lalong

This is yet another minister who has resigned under Tinubu’s administration. Former Plateau State governor Simon Lalong stepped down as the Minister of Labour and Employment in December 2023 to take up his seat as the Senator representing Plateau South.

Lalong tendered his resignation after the Court of Appeal declared him the rightful winner of the Plateau South senatorial election and directed INEC to issue his Certificate of Return.

In his letter to Tinubu, he noted that the decision to leave the cabinet was difficult, especially given the president’s confidence in him and his role as Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.

He promised to continue to give Tinubu his loyalty, support, and cooperation towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Lalong was subsequently sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Betta Edu

Betta Edu was suspended from her role as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on 8 January 2024, following public allegations of financial misconduct involving the approval of payments into a private account. The presidency announced her suspension to allow for a full investigation into the alleged breach of financial regulations. She was subsequently dismissed by the president in October 2024.

Uju-Kennedy Ohanenye

Barrister Uju-Kennedy Ohanenye was removed from her position as Minister of Women Affairs on 23 October, 2024, during a major cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Tinubu. Her dismissal coincided with the administration’s effort to reorganise key ministries to improve efficiency and redirect policy focus.

Lola Ade-John

Lola Ade-John was relieved of her duties on 23 October 2024, as part of the same cabinet shake-up designed to reposition underperforming sectors. She served as the Minister of Tourism before her removal.

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim

The former Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, was also dismissed during the reshuffle on 23 October 2024, which was intended to refresh the federal cabinet. She was subsequently replaced by Ayodele Olawande.

Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo

Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, who served as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, was also affected by the cabinet reshuffle carried out by President Tinubu on 23 October 2024.

Prof. Tahir Mamman

Prof. Tahir Mamman was dismissed from his role as Minister of Education as part of the major cabinet overhaul. He was replaced by Tunji Alausa, who now heads the vital Ministry of Education. (Nigerian Tribune, but headline rejigged)

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