From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, yesterday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the national honors list, which has been the subject of debate in recent days.
Critics have questioned why some names were left off the list that was allegedly released by the ministry while individuals deemed unworthy of honours were named as recipients.
The Minister was rumoured to have received a summon from the President to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the issue.
Speaking to State House Correspondents as he left the President’s office, Akume insisted that the meeting had nothing to do with the list.
He said the ministry did not release the one that had been in circulation, saying the real list would soon be released.
Asked whether he came to see the President over the controversial list, Akume said “no.”
When asked what happened with the list in circulation, he said: “We did not release any list.”
On when the authentic national honours list would be released, he replied: “Soon.”
The list that was already in circulation had reportedly been altered due to inaccuracies, inconsistencies and a lack of significant names.