Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said on Sunday that he has not been offered the job of the Chief of Staff to the President.
Kingibe made the clarification amid rumours that he had been appointed to replace the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari who died on April 17 from Coronavirus related complications.
According to the News Express, Kingibe told close friends that reports that he had been acting in the capacity of Chief of Staff even while the late Abba Kyari was on his sick bed were unfounded.
“Kingibe has never acted as Chief of Staff to President Buhari,” the paper quoted a source close to him as saying.
“While it is true that the President sometimes consults him on issues, he said it was not true that he had ever acted as his Chief of Staff,” the source added.
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He further quoted Kingibe as saying: “I have never told anyone in private or public that I am interested in becoming the Chief of Staff to the President.
“The late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, was my friend. It would appear as if I wanted my friend out so as to take his position, but that is not true.”
Kingibe, according to the source, emphasised that President Buhari had never at any time hinted that he was being considered for the position, which became vacant with Abba Kyari’s death last Friday night.
Asked if Kingibe would accept the position if offered by the President, the source said: “He is not one to turn down a national assignment. However, he wants it known that he has not been offered the position and is not lobbying for it.”
