Pate, Minister of State, Health, Resigns (UPDATED)

The Minister of State, Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate, has voluntarily
resigned from President Goodluck Jonathan's cabinet.
In his resignation letter, dated July 22 and addressed to the
President, Pate said he was leaving the cabinet to takeup the position
ofProfessor in Duke University's Global Health Institute USA.
In this capacity, according to him, he will participate in
auniversity-wide Africa initiativeand will also serve asSenior
Adviserto Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation based in WashingtonDC.
Mr. Pate, however, expressed his wish to continue his work on
part-time basis, serving as the Chairman of the Presidential Task
Force on Polio Eradication and the public-private coalition for Saving
One Million Lives Initiative.
"As we have discussed, I wish to offer the continuation of my service
on part-time basis as chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio
Eradication and the public-private coalition for Saving One Million
Lives Initiative, if you agree, in fulfilment of my previous
commitments to see to conclusion of these important
nationalpriorities. This may entail an honorary advisory role
reporting directly to you progress at least on quarterly basis," he
wrote in his resignation letter.
The Special Adviser to the President onMedia and Publicity, Reuben
Abati, toldjournalists at the State House that President Jonathan is
highly elated that his star-studded cabinet was attracting required
global attention.
According to the Special Adviser, the President saw his appointment as
a plus for the administration and the country.
Mr. Abati said President Jonathan commended Pate for the integrity and
competence he brought on board while carrying out his duties first as
the Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development
Agency; and later as a minister.
The spokesman recalled that another cabinet member, the Minister of
Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was oneof those shortlisted for the
position of the World Bank's President last year.
"The minister's new commitment is seen by the President and his
cabinet as a good news. It is a further proof that this cabinet is
full of stars.
"The cabinet is full of very distinguished men and women; people with
not only national but also international recognition.
"The President congratulated the minister and accepted his offer to
continue to serve on a part-time basis as honourary adviser.
"It is a positive development that we have people who are recognised
globally. Pate has served this country for five years, first as the
Chief Executive of NHPDH and later Minister of State, Health. His work
is appreciated worldwide. His appointment a plus for the
administration and the country," Mr. Abati said.