ABUJA- Amb. Babagana Kingibe, running mate to late Moshood Abiola has described Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as an excellent public servant.
Kingibe said this at a send-off dinner organised in honour of Mustapha by SGF’s office in Abuja.
Kingibe described Mustapha, a lawyer by profession, as an excellent and active public servant, who had always put his best to work.
He said that Mustapha showed excellence in the performance of his duty, adding that he was an active SGF, who worked under a president that allowed him to do his job.
According to Kingibe, without the leadership and benevolence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mustapha would have suffered the fate of one of his predecessors, who tried to be activist, while explaining government policies to the people.
Kingibe stated that Mustapha would have been grounded and booted out of the system if not for his meticulous way of advocating for the government and the Nigerian people.
“It is our joy that Boss Mustapha didn’t allow that, he speaks to the character of the former president and he did not allow himself to be influenced by those who want to separate him from his being loyal.
“A dedicated, competent SGF, you have set a template and I have no doubt that Sen. George Akume will also rise to the occasion in his own fight to accommodate, with his smiling.
He also described the former SGF as a man of many heart, a political heart, a bureaucratic heart , who headed the secretary of council, and all those he worked with were supportive to him.
Kingibe urged Akume to rise up to the task, stressing that the task in the SGF is a big one and called on the team in the SGF office to be supportive to enable him discharge his role.
“Please those of you working with Akume should give him maximum support, the main machinery of the government revolves around the SGF office, so the success of that office rely on you also,” he stressed.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by Mr Ade Ipaye, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, also described Mustapha as a dedicated man worthy to be celebrated.
According to him, Mustapha play a critical role in bringing to fruition the strategic plans of the Buhari’s administration, as the custodian of the executive council meetings.
He said that the former SGF expertly guided important discussion and ensures that decisions were made in the best interest of the Nigeria people.
Osinbajo said that Mustapha’s ability to assist President Buhari’s fostering of an environment of open dialogue and collaboration among ministers and agencies of government was unparalleled.
“Mustapha pays attention to details; he is meticulousness in maintaining the records of Federal Executive Council meetings is also remarkable and commendable.
“He diligently ensured the documentation of each decision and commitment made and this provided a solid foundation for accountability and transparency within the government.
“I congratulate the office of the SGF for finding Mustapha worthy to celebrate his contributions and dedication to the Buhari administration.
“Without doubt, his tenure as the SGF will go down in history as a shining example of excellence,” Osinbajo stressed.
However, the SGF, Akume, said that Mustapha had used his wisdom meritoriously to serve his father’s land and humanity to the very best of his ability.
He, therefore, saluted Mustapha’s courage and exploit who through the office of the SGF had been dotted with various success stories.
Akume said the role played by Mustapha during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, steering the ship of the nation to fight against the scourge could never be forgotten.
On his part, Mustapha stated that he counted it as a great privilege for Akume to host him and his family, and to honour him as his successor.
He appreciated the gesture and stated that he never had opportunity to socialise with members of his team in the office, and that everything he does was all about work.
According to him, he has many times called members of his team and staff of his office to work in the middle of the night, and that all what he does is work and make sure things work out the way it should be. (NAN)
