The Presidency has confirmed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is recuperating at his Abuja home after falling ill, dismissing rumours of a stroke or any plans to replace him.
Multiple sources in the Presidency told The PUNCH on Sunday that although Edun’s illness is “a bit serious,” he remains in Nigeria under the care of local doctors.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, but it’s not a stroke,” a senior official said, clarifying that the minister has not been flown abroad. “He might seek medical attention elsewhere if doctors recommend it, but for now, he’s at home.”
Another source confirmed that Edun continues to receive medical attention from Nigerian doctors, adding that “there are no plans to replace him.”
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also told reporters that the 69-year-old minister “is recuperating and still in Nigeria.”
The clarification follows reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu was considering replacing Edun after news of his illness surfaced last week.
Earlier, the Presidency announced that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., in Edun’s absence.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has played a key role in Tinubu’s fiscal reform drive, focusing on naira stabilisation, inflation reduction, and foreign investment growth. He previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Finance had yet to release an official statement regarding his health.
SOURCES:
https://punchng.com/edun-recovering-no-plans-for-replacement-presidency/
https://punchng.com/edun-recovering-no-plans-for-replacement-presidency-2/
