Festus Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who was initially announced as the minister of state for Niger Delta affairs, is now the minister of
Festus Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who was initially announced as the minister of state for Niger Delta affairs, is now the minister of state for labour and employment. Keyamo, who was handed the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs portfolio on August 21, 2019, after President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated his cabinet of 43 ministers, made the witch to Labour ministry on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.
A letter addressed to Keyamo and signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, contained the following words: “I write to convey the approval of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for your redeployment from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as Minister of State with effect from Tuesday, 24th September, 2019. Please accept the assurances of my warm regard.”
Tayo Alasoadura, who was the junior minister in the ministry of labour and employment, is now the minister of state for Niger Delta affairs.
There are unconfirmed reports of a frosty relationship between Keyamo and Godswill Akpabio, the minister of Niger Delta affairs. Their relationship was said to have been less than cordial hence the need to move Keyamo from Niger Delta ministry to Labour ministry.
It had been thought that Keyamo would be moved to ministry of justice as minister of state to assist Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation. Malami had made efforts two weeks ago to have him redeployed to resolve the “civil war” between the duo but he was advised against it, according to TheCable.
It is still unclear what the source of friction was between Akpabio and Keyamo. Keyamo will now work under Chris Ngige, the minister of labour and employment.
Howvere, Keymo has refuted any froty relationship between him and Akpabio, saying they are tissues of lies and a figment of some people’s imagination. Keyamo had taken to his Twitter page with the following words: “On the move again. Two portfolios in two months. Just been redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work with my long-time big brother, H.E, Chris Ngige. Thank you, Mr. President for finding me versatile enough to move around. Always ready to serve in any capacity.”
