...As Jonathan hails his new appointment
From JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, Abuja
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate, yesterday voluntarily resigned from the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan to take up the position of Professor in Duke University's Global Health Institute, USA.
The resignation, which has since been accepted by the President, took effect from yesterday. President Jonathan has since accepted the resignation addressed to him on July 22.
The President said Pate, in his new capacity, would participate in a university-wide Africa initiative and 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 the conclusion of these important national priorities. This may entail an honorary advisory role of reporting directly to you on progress at least on quarterly basis," he wrote.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents that President Jonathan was highly elated that his star-studded cabinet was attracting required global attention.
He said the President saw Pate's appointment as a plus for the administration and the country.
Abati said Jonathan commended Pate for the integrity and competence he brought on board while carrying out his duties first as the Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and later as a minister.
He recalled that another cabinet member, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was one of those shortlisted for the position of the World Bank's President last year.
Via: Sun News Online