Keep Your Appointment, Saraki’s Ex-aide Tells Senate President Lawan

Mr Olu Onemola, a former media to ex-Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, has turned down his appointment by President of the 9th Senate, Mr. Ahmed Lawan.

Lawan had recently retained Onemola to serve under him in the same capacity as he did under the 8th Senate President, Saraki.

But following the criticism that trailed Lawan’s appointment of Onemola and others who worked for Saraki, Onemola announced on Sunday that he was turning down the offer.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported how Lawan’s appointment of Mr. Festus Adedayo, an ardent critic of the President Muhammadu Buhari and his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, was criticized by APC supporters.

Adedayo had said he did not lobby Lawan, neither was he consulted, before the 9th Senate President appointed him as his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Meanwhile, Onemola’s decision to turn down Lawan’s appointment was contained in an internal memo he addressed to Lawan on Sunday.

Onemola asked to be excused “from taking up this national assignment” because of the controversy it has generated.

“As an individual who prides myself in always setting a high standard and significant precedents I feel honoured to have been asked to fill this vital role in the service of our great country,” he said.

“I thank you sir, for the offer to continue on to serve and promote the work of the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic which I am sure is home out of your patriotic desire to serve the Nigerian people.

“However, at this time, given my personal antecedents, and the controversy that this has generated, I would respectfully like to be excused from taking up this national assignment.

“It is my hope that whoever does fill this role, builds upon what we have started in terms of opening up the activities of the Nigerian Senate to the public.

“I will be ready and available in whatever way to give my recommendations if and when requested as the new team begins its work.

“I have communicated my decision to the Chief of Staff, Babagana Muhammad Aji, and I wish the new team all the best as they work to meet the demands of the Nigerian people,” said the ex-Saraki aide.