Nigerian president sacks 9 ministers in cabinet reshuffle

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday sacked nine ministers in a cabinet reshuffle, a presidential spokesman told reporters here. Among those relieved of duties included the ministers of foreign affairs, education, national planning, land and urban development, environment and science and technology. Three ministers of state -- for defense, power and agriculture, were also removed. Presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati told reporters that the sacked will be replaced soon. Confirming the development, sacked environment minister Hadiza Mailafia said it was not a shock for her as the cabinet reshuffle was expected at anytime. She urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration. This is the Nigerian leader's first major cabinet shake-up since he was elected in 2011. President Jonathan have been facing serious stiff opposition from some influential Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, who do not want to support his second term ambition. The aggrieved members, including some state governors, on Aug. 31 broke away from the main party to form the "New PDP" under the chairmanship of Kawu Baraje, a former acting chairman of the party. He met with some of the aggrieved governors on Tuesday night at the presidential villa, including Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa). The governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his Kwara State counterpart Abdulafatah Ahmed were not at the meeting as they had traveled out of the West African country.