The Presidency has debunked claims that President Bola Tinubu was making plans to replace the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, over his recent health challenge.
According to Punch Online, multiple sources at the Presidential Villa confirmed on Sunday that Edun, 69, is recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian medical professionals.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” a senior official clarified, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly.
“As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He has not been flown anywhere. Of course, he might seek medical attention elsewhere if the doctors say it is necessary. So, it’s not true that he has a stroke,” the official added.
Another Villa source also confirmed that while his condition was being monitored, there were no discussions within the Presidency about naming a replacement.
“He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re still monitoring him. If he needs medical care outside Nigeria, he will go. But he’s still at home,” the source said. “There are no plans to replace him.”
Reinforcing this position, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the minister was recovering 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 stated on Sunday evening.
Rumours about Edun’s health intensified after an online publication claimed that President Tinubu was considering appointing a replacement.
Earlier on Sunday, the Presidency had announced that Edun would not be leading Nigeria’s delegation to this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. Instead, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will head the team.
The global meetings, which bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic experts, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 13.
Mr. Edun, appointed on August 28, 2023, has been a central figure in President Tinubu’s economic team, driving key reforms to stabilize the naira, combat inflation, and attract foreign investment. Before joining the Federal Executive Council, he served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State during Tinubu’s governorship between 1999 and 2004.
There is nothing out of ordinary for anyone including a minister to sick. I wish him quick recovery. What bothers me ìs why he is not represented in any meeting by his deputy, the Minister of State, ie if he has one.