[continuation]

He said: “There is a strong suspicion that since the Presidency was uncomfortable with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who brought Ashiru into the cabinet, the minister’s days were numbered. In spite of the mediatory role of Obasanjo in PDP crisis, the position of the Presidency was that he had only attempted to clear the mess he created. Ashiru might just be a scape-goat.
“As for the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia, the tempo of political situation in Kaduna requires a change of guard.”
President Jonathan shocked the sacked ministers as he did not betray any emotions at the FEC meeting.
A Presidency source said: “We all went in with the usual exchange of banters. The President and his deputy and a few others came late but we did not suspect anything.
“After honouring a star athlete, Blessing Okagbare, we went into the business of the day with most of the nine ministers making contributions, oblivious that they would go.
“As we were about to say the closing prayers, the President said: ‘I wish to inform you that some ministers will be attending this FEC meeting for the last time there will be some changes; some will be dropped.’
“A pin-drop silence overwhelmed the Executive Chambers as he was reading the names in a military fashion.
“After the list was read, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said the closing prayers.