The Minister of State, Health, Dr. Muhammed Ali Pate, has resigned voluntarily from the Federal Executive Council effective from Wednesday. President Goodluck Jonathan has since accepted the resignation.
Dr Pate in his resignation letter dated July 22 and addressed to the President, said he was leaving the Cabinet to take up appointment with Duke University’s Global Health Institute, USA, as a Professor.
The appointment he said will enable him to serve as Senior Adviser to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation based in Washington DC as well as participates in a university-wide Africa initiative.
He however, volunteered to carry on with his assignment 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.
Dr Pate stated, “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 fulfillment 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”.
Speaking with State House correspondents, Presidential Media Adviser, Reuben Abati, said that an elated President Jonathan in accepting the minister’s resignation, said that his star-studded cabinet was attracting required global attention.
According to Abati, the President who saw He said the Minister’s new appointment as a plus for the administration and the country also commended him for the integrity and competence he brought on board while in the Cabinet.
Specifically, he pointed to the dedication and commitment with which he served first as the Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and later as a minister.
Abati also recalled the shortlisting of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for World Bank’s
“The minister’s new commitment is seen by the President and his cabinet as 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 honourary adviser. It is a positive development that we have people who are recognized 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,” Presidential Media Adviser said.
