Aisha Alhassan: I will quit Buhari’s cabinet when the time comes

Aisha Alhassan, minister of women affairs, says she will resign as a member of the federal executive council (FEC) when the time comes.

Alhassan said this in reaction to reports that she had relinquished her position to contest Taraba governorship poll.

She had written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to notify him of her intention to contest the election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The response of the president had been misinterpreted to be that the minister had resigned.

But in an interview with NAN, Alhassan said she is presently preoccupied with the task assigned to her by Buhari.

“Contrary to insinuations, especially on social media, I only sought for permission from President Muhammdu Buhari to begin consultations,” Alhassan said.

“This is preparatory to my seeking nomination from our great party the All Progressive Congress (APC) to contest for the office of the governor of Taraba state in 2019, which he has graciously accepted.

“The letter in circulation in the social media does not in any way mean or suggest resignation.

“The letter is straight forward and unambiguous. Our esteemed supporters and loyal party men and women in Taraba should please disregard any rumour of my resignation.

“When the time comes for me to resign, I will do so in accordance with the laid down procedure and regulations. I am also helping in mobilising support for him and the APC for the 2019 election.”

Alhassan stirred controversy when she endorsed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 presidential election.

She described the nation’s number two citizen as her godfather.