PRESIDENCY DEBUNKS REPORTS OF STROKE, CONFIRMS NIGERIA’S FINANCE MINISTER WALE EDUN RECUPERATING IN ABUJA

The Presidency has dismissed reports indicating Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for medical treatment. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified the minister is indisposed but receiving care in Nigeria. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we speak, he is in Nigeria and recuperating,” Onanuga stated.

Contrary to some circulating claims, Onanuga emphasized Edun did not experience a stroke and remains in Abuja. “Wale Edun did not have a stroke and is not abroad. He is in Abuja,” he affirmed. Presidency officials confirmed the minister is attended by Nigerian doctors at his residence with no immediate plans for replacement.

“Wale Edun is being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re monitoring him, and if there’s a need for care outside Nigeria, he will go. But for now, he’s still at home. There are no plans to replace him,” a senior official explained.

Due to Edun’s health situation, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings opening Monday in Washington, D.C. “Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who is indisposed,” Onanuga announced.

Edun, appointed Minister August 2023, plays a pivotal role President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms targeting naira stability, inflation control and foreign investment attraction. The Presidency underscores continuity amid ministerial absence assuring Edun’s position isn’t under threat presently.