Presidency Replaces Nwabueze, After Declining Appointment

Following the resignation of the Patriots Chairman Professor Ben Nwabuaeze as chairman of the Confab committee on health grounds, the Presidency has approved the appointment of Professor Anya. O. Anya, to replace the 83 year old who is still abroad receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

In a statement released today, the presidency said it has also accepted the resignation of Eze Festus Odimegwu as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) with effect from Thursday, 17th of October, 2013, while appointing DR. Sam Ahaiwe, the Commissioner representing Abia State in the Commission, to act as chairman pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman.

The Presidency also appointed Mr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi as Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aids Corps.

The Chairman of The Patriots, Ben Nwabueze (SAN), declined his appointment into the Federal Government’s Advisory Committee on National Dialogue citing his ill-health and old age.

In a press statement made available to Channels Television, Professor Nwabueze disclosed that he has been battling with prostate cancer and has been surviving by “consultations from time to time with, and treatment by, a Consultant Oncologist at Charing Cross Hospital in London”.

The elder statesman, who said he never expected to be appointed chairman or member of the Committee, added that he “considered such an appointment inappropriate in the circumstances.”

It is an appointment for a younger person, not for an old man of 83 years afflicted by ill-health,” he said.

He however expressed his readiness to work with the advisory committee should he be called upon.

“The Patriots remain willing to work with the Presidential Committee, and to give it all necessary assistance, if called upon to do so.”

He also revealed that he already had plans to contribute to the convention of a National Conference.