ABUJA, Nigeria — With just five days left in the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, ministers have commenced handing over their responsibilities to permanent secretaries in their respective ministries, heralding an end to Buhari’s eight-year tenure that commenced on May 29, 2015.
Among the first to transition on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, is Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, who has formally handed over his position to the permanent secretary, Mr Ibrahim Kana, even as the dissolution of the federal cabinet is yet to be formally announced.
“Our government is a continuum, and it is essential to maintain a smooth transition during this period,” said Magashi, a retired major-general of the Nigerian Army, as he directed Kana to handle ongoing budgetary and contractual issues in line with established service rules.
“Mr Kana will undoubtedly continue to uphold our commitment to service and responsibility.”
The anticipation of change has been palpable, with preparations for the inauguration of president-elect, Bola Tinubu, commencing weeks ago.
The swearing-in ceremony is set for Eagle Square, Abuja at 10am on Monday, May 29, 2023, the same day President Buhari’s term formally ends.
In recognition of his service, a valedictory dinner will be held today in honor of Gen. Magashi.
According to an official notification, the event is organized by the Ministry of Defence to celebrate the minister’s “meritorious service and fatherly leadership style in shaping and curbing the challenges in Nigeria’s defence sector during the period of his stewardship.”
“The Minister of Defence has navigated through many challenges, offering a fatherly leadership style that has kept our forces resilient,” said Mr. Ibrahim Kana, the permanent secretary set to take the helm. “This valedictory dinner is a befitting honor for Gen. Magashi and his legacy.”
The dinner, scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the AHQ Command Officers Mess 1, Asokoro, will formally mark Magashi’s exit from the ministry and the start of a new era in Nigerian politics.
