Renowned Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, said ministers who resigned from the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari due to their political ambitions can only be reappointed after Senate confirmation.
Recall that President Buhari directed ministers with political ambition to turn in their resignation on or before May 16.
The development saw some ministers submit their resignation letters, while President Buhari met with the outgoing ministers on Friday.
Ngige. however, announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential election in order to focus on his work.
There are reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has withdrawn from the Kebbi governorship race.
Falana who described their withdrawal as “illegal”, said it constitutes “a gross contravention of section 306 (2) of the Constitution which stipulates that the resignation of any person from any office established by this Constitution shall take effect when the writing signifying the resignation is received by the authority or person to whom it is addressed or by any person authorised by that authority or person to receive it”.
“Since the resignation of the former ministers has taken effect, they cannot return to the cabinet either on their own volition or on the directive of the President.
“The resignation of the ministers is not a cabinet reshuffle. It is akin to the removal of the former ministers by the President.
“Therefore, if the former ministers are going to be reappointed, the President is required by section 147 of the Constitution to submit names to the Senate for fresh screening and confirmation.”
