BY AGNES EKE
The resignation of Minister of State, Education, Hon.Emeka Nwajiba, has ignited a fresh scramble for his replacement in his home State of Imo, particularly within the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Nwajiuba, is a leading contender for APC Presidential ticket, being the first Presidential aspirant to purchase the party’s Nomination and Expression of Forms.
President Muhammadu Buhari had singled out Nwajiuba for applause, for being the first member of his cabinet to tender his resignation letter, and informing him of his presidential ambition.
Nwajiuba, a long time ally of President Buhari had represented Imo State in the Federal Executive Council.
With his resignation as Minister, Imo State has no representative in the Federal Executive Council, a Body of Ministers drawn from the 36 States of the Federation.
However, INNONEWS gathered that the race for Nwajiuba’s replacement has begun, as some top politicians of APC extraction in the State have begun eying his former post.
It is expected that Governor Hope Uzodimma, as leader of the party in the State may recommend to President Buhari, the former Minister’s replacement, to fill in the slot of Imo State in the FEC.
However, another source told this newspaper that the former Minister may be saddled with the task to recommend his replacement based on his mutual relationship with Mr.President.
About 10 Ministers had resigned from the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to vie for elective offices, majority of them eying the Presidency.
President Buhari had hosted the former Ministers to a valedictory session on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he thanked them for their contributions to his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours.