* Fayemi

 The  Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bawa Bwari have described the vote of confidence passed on them by the House of Representatives as unfair.

 Following the non appearance of the two ministers to the sectoral debate on the revival of moribund Ajaokuta steel company holding Thursday, the legislators described their action  as a contempt to the House and executive recklessness, and subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on them.

 However in their reaction to the development, the duo stated  unequivocally that the inability of the two ministers to attend the debate were  duly communicated to the leadership of the House in two separate letters.

 “It is rather unfair for the House members to categorise the Ministers absence as “boycott”, when they were adequately notified. 

 “Tolerance and moderation are essential ingredients in public service engagement. In this particular case, they appear to be in short supply and the ministry believes that there is more than meets the eye on this matter.

 “After all, the Ministers are always willing to engage the honourable House and its leadership at all times. It is on record that Minister Fayemi was the first Minister to address the sectoral debate in 2016 and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex was extensively addressed on that occasion.

 “ Given this past record, today’s action is most unwarranted and unfortunate”, the ministers affirmed in a statement by Olayinka Oyebode, the Special    Assistant, Media to the Minister,   Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.