JUST IN: Senate President, Ahmed Lawan Withdraws Appointment

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has withdrawn the appointment of Dr. Festus Adedayo, as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. 

A statement obtained by Mouthpiece NG from Office of President of the Senate on Thursday in Abuja, said that it reviewed the appointment of Adedayo and rescinded its earlier decision on it.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Isa, Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Publicity.

It said “the Office of the President of the Senate has reviewed the appointment of Mr Festus Adedayo as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate and decided to rescind its decision on the appointment.

“The office wishes Mr Adedayo the best in his future endeavours.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dropping of Adedayo may not be unconnected with pressure on the Senate leadership to do so following mounting criticisms from All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders over the appointment.

A reliable source close to President of the Senate’s office told NAN that the decision to drop Adedayo was reached on Wednesday night in a meeting by key officers of the Red Chamber.
The meeting was said to have held in the residence of President of the Senate, Mr Ahmad Lawan, who chaired the session.

Mouthpiece NG understands that Mr Adedayo’s appointment has been generating mixed reaction and hit debate from Nigerians, with many criticizing on social media following the announcement as adviser on media and publicity to the senate president. 

Adedayo, who’s a Ph.D. holder in political communication was tagged “anti-Buhari media personality” by Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) and some members of All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The group in a loud outcry said he’s unsuitable for such position and resorted to re-broadcasting of anti-government social media posts linked to Adedayo.

NAN confirmed that Office of the Senate President has begun the process of finding a replacement for him.

A similar outcry is also trailing the re-appointment of four other media aides announced by Lawan to serve him. The aides also served his predecessor, Sen. Bukola Saraki.

The aides include Mr Mohammed Isa, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity; Olu Onemola, Special Assistant on New Media and Tope Olowoeye, Senior Legislative Aide on Media and Publicity (Photography).

NAN, however, learnt that Lawan stood his ground on the aides, saying he would retain them.

“The Senate concluded last night that the SA Media should be relieved of his appointment instantly owing to public outcry.

“But, the Senate President is retaining all the other media aides already announced, against all pressures.

“He is already getting some recommendations for replacement of Adedayo from media consultants, subject to background checks,” the source said.

Adedayo was yet to assume office before the current development.