We’ve not recalled envoys from S’Africa, say Presidency

The Presidency on Monday denied recalling Nigeria’s envoys in South Africa over the ongoing xenophobia attacks.

Reuben Abati

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, made the Presidency’s position known in an interview with State House correspondents.

Abati said the reports of the recall was a mix up, saying what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did was just to invite the country’s Charge D’Affairs in South Africa for a routine consultation.

Describing the recall of an envoy as a serious and sensitive matter, the presidential spokesman said that had not been done now.

He said, “It is not true that Nigeria has recalled its envoy in South Africa on account of recent xenophobic attacks in that country.

“There is a mix up and misinformation on the matter.

“The truth is that Nigeria has not recalled his envoy from South Africa.

“What has been done is to invite the Charge D’Affairs in that country for routine consultation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Recall of envoy is a serious and sensitive matter, that has not happened.”

The Punch

Jonathan sacks Sports Minister, Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdulahi

President Goodluck Jonathan has sacked the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
He has therefore directed one of the the 11 newly sworn in ministers, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, to take over from Abdullahi.
Jonathan assigned portfolios to the new ministers shortly after they took their oaths of offices at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President said new ministers would also be named next week.
The new ministers with their portfolios are as follows: