Politics
EYITAYO Oyetunji, Acting Chairman, National Population Commission (NPopC), has congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Gambari on his appointment as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as well deserved landmark appointment.
Oyetunji said this in a congratulatory message to the President made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He stated that the task before the new Chief of Staff would be challenging and expressed optimism that with Gambari’s pedigree he would live above board.
The acting chairman said, “ I wish on behalf of myself, Federal Commissioners, the director-general, management and staff of NPopC to congratulate Gambari.
“Your appointment at this very critical time occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant national economic and social dislocations is a clear testimony of Mr President’s confidence in your competence.
“It is a clear confidence in your competence and ability to assist him in steering the ship of the nation through the difficult time.
“As the number one aide of the President and the head of the ‘engine room’ of the presidency, there is no doubt that the task ahead will be challenging.
“However, with your unassailable credentials and reputation as an accomplished academic of international repute, a consummate administrator and global diplomat with far reaching connections, I have no doubt that you have what it takes to assist Mr President.
“You have all it takes to assist Mr President in steering the ship of the nation through the difficult time and re-launching the nation into a new era of economic posterity and political stability.’’
As your former student, he added “ I am particularly proud that your numerous services to our country have not gone unnoticed.
“Your impressive experience and unblemished record spanning through your stay at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where you pioneered the establishment of the Department of International Relations was notable.
“Your stint as the Director-General of the National Institute of International Relations, your international assignment as Under Secretary and Special Representative at the UN and your former position as Minister of External Affairs are some of the noteworthy services you have rendered.’’
In a related development, Oyetunji condoled with the President on the death of the late Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari.
“For us in the commission, Kyari was a role model and a tremendous source of inspiration.
“When we met with him, he showed great knowledge and understanding of the mandate of the commission and re-assured us of his support towards the implementation of our activities.
“The commission, therefore, commiserates with your Excellency for the irreparable loss of this committed cerebral and quintessential technocrat.
“We are particularly saddened by the fact that he passed on at a time when the nation needed his administrative wealth of experience in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world,’’ he said.
The population chief said that the late Kyari would be remembered by his unparalleled loyalty to the President, impeccable integrity and effort to “entrench probity, accountability and transparency towards a corruption-free nation’’. (NAN)
– May 20, 2020 @ 17:05 GMT |
Tags: NPopC congratulates Gambari on appointment as Buhari’s Chief of Staff
