Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ambassador Babagana Kingibe
Photo: Sun News Publishing
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Sacked Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SFG), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, left office in a sombre tone on Tuesday, and in apparent parting salvo aimed at those who were rejoicing over his downfall, Kingibe said it would be someone else’s turn to leave from his own ‘office tomorrow.’
But he did not expatiate. Kingibe, who said he had no regrets leaving the exalted office consoled himself that as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would still be doing those things he knew how best to do, mobilizing people, even out of office.
He warned that time would always catch up with everyone to retire from office one day, pointing out that it was now his time.
Wearing unperturbed face while handing over to his successor, Alhaji Yayale, the out -gone SFG declared: “May I finally tell you that every morning I enter the office, I look up at the pictures of 14 of my illustrious predecessors hanging on the walls.
These pictures of men, some long gone, some in their ripe old age, and others though retired, not yet tired, all serve as daily reminders that one day, God’s appointed time will come for everyone to leave office. Time for me is now.”
Also paying glowing tributes to President Yar’adua, Kingibe said: “I thank Almighty Allah and His instrument, my friend, brother and President, Umaru Yar’adua for the opportunity to serve my nation in the past fifteen months.”
Responding, the new SFG, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, said the appointment exposed him to the most difficult and challenging environment of his life, even as he promised President Yar’Adua and the nation that it was a task he was prepared to handle.
“Allah has destined that Umaru Yar’Adua would appoint Babagana Kingibe from whom I am taking over and I am not at all disturbed or worried that I am succeeding my revered brother, so I take up the challenge with confidence.”
