By Victoria OJEME, Abuja
LAST Saturday’s declaration for the 2011 Presidential race by President Goodluck Jonathan and his Vice, Architect Namadi Sambo, may further embolden members of the Federal Cabinet, interested in running for elective offices to quit government.

Only last week, former Minister of State for Finance, and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, Mr Remi Babalola, fresh from leave since his posting to Special Duties Ministries, announced his resignation from the Federal Cabinet.

Sources however confided in Saturday Vanguard at the weekend that, many more members of President Jonathan’s cabinet may announce their resignation from government to enable them pursue their political ambition in the days ahead.

According to the source who spoke in anonymity,  “besides Babalola’s resignation, I can confirm that the days ahead will see at least four Ministers leaving the Federal Cabinet to pursue their political ambition.

“Some are still consulting with their constituents, but a few of them are under intense pressure to come home and contest. One of such is the Minister of Youth Development” the source added.

The Minister who was elected into the Senate in 2003 as learnt has been inundated with calls to come back home and run for elective office. Another Minister from the South East, Saturday Vanguard learnt is also eyeing the government house of his home state.

Contacted for clarification, Senator Akinlabi neither denied nor confirmed the development, but said that the wishes of his people would decide his next political move.

According to him, “I did not put myself there. When I was in the senate 2003-2007, I did not put myself there. I will always and be ready to serve the people of my constituency in whatever capacity they want me to serve them.”

He stated further that when he decides to announce his next political move, he would first of all inform the President, as well as his close political associates before going public.