Former minister of power Sale Mamman has debunked reports that he slumped on hearing news of his sack on Wednesday.
In an interview with BBC on Thursday, Mr Mamman said he was only advised by his doctors to take some rest.
“Even before this step was announced I was very unwell because I did not even go to the office earlier this week,” he said.
“So, yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) I also went back to the hospital for another round of check-up; and the doctor instructed that I needed some rest so I remained at one place to rest.
“I found a serene and quiet environment to rest and take medication as recommended by the doctor. I didn’t stay at home because sympathisers were trooping to console me; this would prevent me from resting and convalescing on time. But I was also not hospitalised, and I didn’t faint as reported.”
Reacting further, he said in a Facebook post on Thursday that he achieved “giant strides” while in office for two years.
“With a deep sense of humility and submission to the will of Almighty Allah I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for granting me the opportunity to serve in his administration and contribute my quota to our beloved Nation Nigeria, I am grateful for the confidence, belief and trust he placed in me and most especially the support he gave me during my tenure at the Power House and his leadership direction. I remain committed to his agenda for our great Nation and shall continue to support him in any way possible,” part of his post read.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sacked 63-year-old Mamman from Taraba State; and his 75-year-old agriculture counterpart, Mohammed Nanono from Kano State.
He also redeployed the minister of environment, Mohammed Abubakar, to the ministry of agriculture while the minister of state for works, Abubakar Aliyu, took over as minister of power.
