The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is recuperating in his Abuja home after falling ill, and there are no plans by President Bola Tinubu to replace him, multiple sources in the Presidency confirmed.
A senior official who requested not to be named because he was not authorized to talk publicly denied reports that the minister had suffered a stroke or had been sent abroad for treatment.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” the source said.
The source continued, “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 that it is necessary. So, it’s not true that he has stroke.
“He doesn’t have stroke. Which is why we put it in the statement that he is indisposed.”
Another official verified that Edun is receiving care from Nigerian doctors and may seek medical treatment overseas if necessary.
“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,” he said, adding, “There are no plans to replace him.“
Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the Minister is receiving medical care in Nigeria.
The Presidency’s statements come after The Whistler reported that President Tinubu was considering removing the minister following rumors of his illness late last week.
Earlier, the Presidency confirmed that Edun would not be attending this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., and that Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, would lead Nigeria’s delegation in his place.
The meetings, which will bring together finance ministers, central bankers, and economists from around the world, are set to begin on Monday, October 14.
Edun was appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on August 28, 2023. He has been in the vanguard of President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which includes measures to stabilize the naira, cut inflation, and attract foreign investment.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration from 1999 to 2004.
At the time of this publication, the Finance Ministry has yet to announce its official position.
