Also yesterday, the news learnt that the Special Adviser (Technical Matters) and member/secretary, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Committee, Mr. Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo, had also tendered his resignation to the president.
But Pate’s resignation, which was dated July 22, took effect from
yesterday, where he also stated that in his new capacity, he would
participate in a university-wide Africa initiative and would also serve
as Senior Adviser to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation based in
Washington DC.Pate, however, offered the continuation of his service on part-time basis as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication and the public-private coalition for Saving One Million Lives Initiative.
“As we have discussed, I wish to offer the continuation of my service on part-time basis as chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication and the public-private coalition for ‘Saving One Million Lives Initiative’, if you agree, in fulfilment of my previous commitments to see to conclusion of these important national priorities. This may entail an honorary advisory role reporting directly to you progress at least on quarterly basis,” he wrote.
But speaking to State House correspondents, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan was highly elated that his star-studded cabinet was attracting required global attention, adding that the President saw his appointment as a plus for the administration and the country.
Abati noted that Jonathan applauded Pate for his professional integrity and competence in the course of discharging his duties first as the chief executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and later as a minister.
“The minister’s new commitment is seen by the President and his cabinet as a good news. It is a further proof that this cabinet is full of stars. The cabinet is full of very distinguished men and women; people with not only national but also international recognition. The president congratulated the minister and accepted his offer to continue to serve on a part-time basis as honorary adviser.
“It is a positive development that we have people who are recognised globally. Pate has served this country for five years, first as the Chief Executive of NHPDH and later Minister of State, Health. His work is appreciated worldwide. His appointment is a plus for the administration and the country.”
In a related development, the NMA, while urging for a competent replacement for Pate, said such a person should not be below Pate’s level of training and expertise, experience, administrative competence and far-reaching practical understanding of the structure and workings of the nation’s health sector.
In a statement signed by the association’s President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said the NMA received the news of the voluntary resignation with mixed feelings.
“While the NMA rejoices with him over this appointment, the association is however pained that this came at a time when Nigeria’s health sector is already beginning to show signs of progress from his purposeful leadership and that of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, despite the numerous challenges and constraints,” Enabulele said.
He stated that the NMA was, however, consoled by the fact that Pate epitomised the leadership attributes and qualities of medical practitioners by exhibiting commendable altruistic and selfless leadership, integrity, clarity of purpose, knowledge, capacity and competence in the execution of his responsibilities as Minister of State for Health. The association wished Pate success in his new appointment.
Meanwhile, a presidency source stated that Nwankpo was resigning in order to prepare himself ahead of governorship elections in Anambra State.
Though information about the resignation is still sketchy, there was, however, no clarification as to whether the President had approved it or not.
Nwankpo is the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) to the President (2010 to 2011). He was the Secretary, Presidential Action Committee on Power that developed the Presidential Action Plan on Power and he also became the Secretary of the Presidential Task Force on Power that developed the Roadmap on Power Sector Reform (2010 to 2011).
As an aide to the Vice President (2007 to 2010), he was a Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) responsible for the Niger Delta issues where he led the effort to develop the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Subsequently, he became the Desk Officer on Nigeria Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) where he supported the vice-president in his efforts to resuscitate the NIPP projects after a two-year interruption.
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