President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar today, Monday, December 1. Abubakar cited health concerns as the reason for his departure.
Abubakar resigned as Nigeria’s Defence Minister on health grounds. President Tinubu has since accepted the resignation, with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga conveying the President’s appreciation for the former minister’s service to the nation in a statement released on Monday.
“President Tinubu will likely inform the senate of Badaru’s successor later this week,” the statement reads.
Badaru, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.
The development also follows a meeting between Christopher Musa, the former chief of defence staff (CDS), and the president at the State House earlier on Monday evening.
Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. However, he was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Amid a newly declared national security emergency by President Tinubu, and ahead of further elaboration on its scope, his resignation was confirmed.
The development occurred subsequent to a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff. The two met at the State House on Monday evening
It was widely reported that the meeting is a precursor to a major shake-up by Tinubu in the wake of growing insecurity in the country.
The President is expected to submit a new nominee for National Assembly confirmation shortly.
