President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Aburi, Ghana reassured Nigerians and
the international community that he will name his cabinet before the end
of the month.
President Buhari gave the assurance at a joint press conference with
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana.
“After I was sworn-in, I said I will have my cabinet in September. I
expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September
if I do not do so,” President Buhari said while responding to a question
on the appointment of ministers.
President Buhari also told reporters that the Nigerian military, in close
collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, has recorded
remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed
office as President.
“The first thing I did after I came into office was to reorganize the
military and clear orders were given to them in terms of retraining,
re-equipping and redeployment of troops.
“In the northeast, the military is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been
limited to the Sambisa forest.
“Internally Displaced Persons are gradually moving back home and they are
being reintegrated into their respective communities,” President Buhari
said.
On the declaration of assets, the President affirmed that it was a
constitutional requirement that all public office holders in Nigeria
should declare their assets before and after their term in office.
“I recall that in 1975 when late Murtala Mohammed became the Head of
State, we were lined up – governors, ministers, members of the Supreme
Military Council. Officials of Ministry of Justice were brought and every
individual was made to declare his assets.
“All Heads of States and Government, governors, ministers, permanent
secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional
requirement.
“I have declared my assets four times. When I was governor in 1975, I
declared. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme
Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a
President, I have also declared.
Earlier, President Mahama said both leaders had fruitful discussions on
how to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional security.
President Mahama said that Nigeria and Ghana will soon begin the process
of reviving their joint commission for cooperation.
The Ghanaian President added that both leaders also agreed to encourage
closer cooperation between the intelligence and anti-graft agencies of
both countries.
He thanked President Buhari for his visit and assured him of Ghana’s
support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.