Presidency speaks on Wale Edun’s illness, denies replacement plans

Presidency speaks on Wale Edun’s illness, denies replacement plans

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is reportedly recovering at his residence in Abuja after a brief illness, according to reliable sources within the Presidency.

Contrary to widespread speculation, the Presidency has debunked claims that the minister suffered a stroke or was flown abroad for treatment. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, a senior official who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly described the reports as false and misleading.

The official confirmed that Mr. Edun is recuperating well and has been in constant communication with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown unwavering confidence in his ability to continue managing the nation’s economic affairs.

“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 confirmed that Edun is receiving care from Nigerian doctors and may seek medical attention abroad if the need arises.

“He’s being attended to by Nigerian Doctors.

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“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, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Minister is receiving medical care in Nigeria.

“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga told our correspondent on Sunday evening.

The Presidency’s comments follow reports by The Whistler that President Tinubu was considering replacing the minister after reports of his ill health emerged late last week.

Earlier, the Presidency had confirmed that Edun would not be attending this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., stating that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, would lead Nigeria’s delegation in his stead.

The meetings, which bring together finance ministers, central bankers, and economic experts from around the world, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.

Appointed on August 28, 2023, as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Edun has been at the forefront of President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda, including efforts to stabilise the naira, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.

Before his appointment, he served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004.

At the time of this report, the Finance Ministry is yet to issue its official position.

Presidency speaks on Wale Edun’s illness, denies replacement plans

(Punch)