I Prefer To Keep My Job, Labour Minister, Ngige Says As He Withdraws Presidential Ambition

The minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has withdrew his ambition to contest for the Presidency ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, saying that he preferred keeping his present job.
In a statement today, May 13, Senator Ngige said that he took the decision to withdraw “firstly in the overall interest of the nation, in order  to enable me concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the Government, weather the difficult last lap, in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons.”
He declared: “today, 13th May , 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11thMay , 2022.
“Having  also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is  my pleasure to announce the  withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest  the office of the President in the 2023 general elections.
“As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primary.
“I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“My constituents , political associates and well-wishers across the country are by this statement informed of this latest decision, which also has the blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, hence supersedes any other interest , personal or otherwise.”
The minister recalled that on Tuesday, 19th April 2022, he publicly
declared his interest to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the constitutional provision that precludes President Buhari from seeking re-election to the office, as he would have completed his two terms in office by  29thMay 2023 .
He said that his declaration was made in his home town, Alor,  Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“My declaration was sequel to pressure on me from my  constituents, political associates, friends   and other well-meaning Nigerians, who felt I possess the necessary  qualifications and experience for the job.
“Some of these supporters even taxed themselves  to procure the Expression of Interest/Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me.  The forms however are yet to be filled and submitted.”