The Presidency confirmed the dismissal of aides attached to the office of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In a statement revealed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed that there is an ongoing, unprecedented overhaul of the nation’s seat of government, arising from which a number of political appointments have either been revoked or not renewed in the second term.
According to Shehu, the decision was not targeted to undermine the vice president’s office, as speculated by the media.
Shehu urges the media and public to stop attributing non-existent powers to some persons as the President is in absolute control of his government.
He further stated that Buhari’s action was meant to streamline decision-making, cut down multiple authorities and reduce the cost of administration.
“It is also an appropriate response to the general perception that the Presidency has an oversized and bloated workforce which acts as a drag on efficiency.
“As may have been noticed by discerning members of the public, a number of political appointees among the few that served in the office of the president were not returned for the second term.
“The office of the Vice President, His Excellency Yemi Osinbajo has in compliance with the directive of the president, equally been shed of a number of such appointees.
“In carrying out these exercises, the overriding objective is to save taxpayers’ money and deliver needed services to the public. As far as the president is concerned, there is no scope for an excuse for administration after getting a huge mandate to run the country for four more years.
“In the light of this, the Presidency wishes to strongly deny rumours of a rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
“The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent and trusting. Together, they will script a glorious future for the nation”.
“The media reports of a soured relationship are originating from the minds and mouths of mischief-makers, who are desperate for entertaining stories from the Aso Rock Villa with which to titillate the public. This ulterior motive is the basis of the wrong interpretation given to the recent exercise in the Presidency.”
