Saraki’s former aide rejects Lawan’s appointment

Olu Onemola, who was appointed Special Assistant on New Media by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has rejected the appointment.

He announced his decision in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Onemola’s appointment was announced in a letter from the Senate President to the Clerk to the National Assembly on Monday.

Mr Lawan wants the former aide to serve in the same capacity he did with former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

However, the appointment has generated rife criticisms.

Nigerians loyal to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) criticised Mr Lawan for making such appointment outside the circle of party loyalists.

A similar controversy had last week led to the decision of rescinding the appointment of Festus Adedayo as the Senate President’s spokesperson.

Mr Onemola predicated his decision to withdraw on the ‘controversy’ the appointment has generated.

“A few days ago, I was asked to continue on in my role as the Special Assistant on New Media to His Excellency, the President of the 9th Senate.

“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.

“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 borne 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,” the statement reads.