FG confirms Minister Edun’s indisposed status, speaks on replacement

THE presidency says there is no plan to replace the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday, stressing he was recuperating in his Abuja home after falling ill.

It also dismissed rumours that the minister suffered a stroke or had been flown abroad for treatment.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Minister is receiving medical care in Nigeria.

“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said.

The clarification from the presidency followed speculation that President Tinubu was considering replacing the minister after reports of his ill health emerged late last week.

Earlier, the Presidency had confirmed that Edun would not be attending this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., stating that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, would lead Nigeria’s delegation in his stead.

The meetings, which bring together finance ministers, central bankers, and economic experts from around the world, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.

Appointed on August 28, 2023, as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Edun has been at the forefront of President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda, including efforts to stabilise the naira, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.