Buhari Returns from US, Accepts Alhassan’s Resignation

•   Visits injured air force officers in hospital

By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend accepted the resignation of Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan as the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The president returned to Nigeria yesterday after spending about a week in the United States where he participated in the debate by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The President has also paid a get-well-quick visit to the two Nigerian Air Force officers involved in a crash last week, at the Defence Intelligence Agency Hospital in Abuja.

Buhari, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying he accepted the resignation of the former minister and thanked her for her services to the country.

“I have received your letter offering your resignation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I accept your resignation with immediate effect.

“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I thank you for your past services to the nation,” the president said.

The statement added that the president directed Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment to immediately take charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

 Meanwhile, President Buhari yesterday evening paid a get-well-quick visit to the two Nigerian Air Force officers involved in a crash last week, at the Defence Intelligence Agency Hospital in Abuja.

A statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina,  said at about 5.30 p.m, the president appeared in the hospital to encourage the injured officers.

According to Adesina, Buhari rejoiced with Squadron Leader Batuba, and Flight Lieutenant Andy, giving glory to God for sparing their lives. 

He also said the president commiserated with the officers on the loss of their colleague, Squadron Leader Bello Babari and prayed God to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

Adesina also said the Chief of Medical Services at the hospital, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Shinkafi, assured the president that the medical condition of the officers was steady, adding that they were being kept for further rest and counseling as part of the rehabilitation process.

The statement added: “The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was also on hand to receive the President, explained that the three pilots ejected successfully from their jets after the collision, while training for air parade to mark the country’s 58th Independence Anniversary, but the helmet of Babari flew open, and he suffered head injuries that turned fatal.

“Among others that received the President at the hospital were his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman,” he said.