AFTER a three-month pressure, the Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has decided to quit the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan for a Senatorial slot.
There were strong indications last night that Akunyili might leave the cabinet by the end of this month.
According to findings, the minister had been under intense pressure from some stakeholders in Anambra State to vie for a Senatorial ticket in either Anambra Central District or South, as she might like.
Among those who had prevailed on Akunyili are ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; ex-Biafran leader, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu; a political godfather in Anambra State, Chief Chris Uba; the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisah Metu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Chief Victor Umeh.
Although Akunyili is a serving minister in a PDP administration, it was learnt that APGA is "more interested in giving the minister a Senatorial ticket than the PDP."
A source said: "There is pressure on Akunyili because stakeholders in Anambra have made up their minds to field independent-minded candidates in 2011 foe enhanced representation.
"The era of godfatherism is gone in Anambra politics. When she was approached, the minister resisted but our leaders have assured her of their support.
"The challenge before her is the platform upon which she will contest. APGA wants her to consolidate its grip on Anambra but the PDP sees Akunyili as its brand."
It was learnt that Akunyili has made up her mind to vie for a Senatorial seat.
A reliable source added: "She will leave the cabinet latest by the end of this month. There is no doubt about her resignation.
"She has concluded wider consultations on her desire and the response has been encouraging."
Asked whether the minister is leaving because of alleged frustration in the cabinet, the source added: "Not at all, she has no problem with anybody."
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