By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health concerns.
His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. In the letter, Abubakar explained that he was stepping down to focus on his health.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s service to the country. The President is expected to notify the Senate of a replacement before the end of the week.
Abubakar, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023. He was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His exit comes at a sensitive period, following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency. The President is expected to provide further details on the scope and implementation of the emergency measures soon.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.