ABUJA ––President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua yesterday relieved 20 ministers of their appointments.

Announcing the decision at yesterday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), President Yar’ Adua thanked the out-going ministers for their services to the nation since the inception of the present administration and wished them well in their future endeavours.

In a release signed by Olusegun Adeniyi, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) and obtained by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER yesterday, the affected ministers include Adamu Maina Waziri, Charles Ugwu, Garba Bichi, Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu, Agada Anthony Jerry, Fatima Balaraba Ibrahim, Emmanuel Olatunde Odusina and Halima Tayo Alao.

Also on the list are Aliyu Modibbo Umar, John James Akpanudoedehe, Tijani Yahaya Kaura, Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, Alhaji Haruna Hassan and Sarafa Tunji Isola.
Others include Ahmed Mohammed Gusau, Felix Hyatt, John Okechukwu Emeka, Saudatu Usman Bungudu, Mohammed Sanusi Daggash and Abdulrahman Hassan Gimba.

The President, however, directed that until new ministers were confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office, Mr. Remi Babalola (Minister of State, Finance) would serve as supervising minister for the Federal Capital Territory Authority.

Similarly, Mr. Demola Seriki (Minister of State, Agriculture and Water Resources) is expected to serve as supervising minister for the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development while Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong (Minister of State, Culture and Tourism, will serve as supervising minister for Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

While Alhaji Alhassan Bako Zaku, Minister of State, Science and Technology is to act as supervising minister for the National Sports Commissioner, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Special Duties and Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre, Minster of Science and Technology will act as supervising Minister/Vice-Chairman, National Planning Commission and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs respectively.