Senate President sacks Adedayo 48 hours after appointment as media aide

Senate President Ahmad Lawan’s sacking of his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Festus Adedayo 48 hours after his appointment has created some anxiety and misgivings at the National Assembly.

The termination of Adedayo’s appointment came after some All Progressives Congress (APC) members loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari raised objections his appointment on grounds of Adedayo’s past criticisms of the Buhari administration.

It was learnt that objections by Buhari’s supporters in the APC put the Lawan in a quagmire and had to eventually bow to pressure.

Adedayo’s disengagement was disclosed in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Mohammed Isa, titled: Senate President Reviews Adedayo’s Appointment

“The office of the Senate President has reviewed the appointment of Mr. Festus Adedayo as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity and decided to rescind its decision and wishes Adebayo the best in his future endeavours,” the statement reads.

As at the time of going to press, no official reason was given for the decision, but

a group called APC Stakeholders Forum protested against Adedayo’s appointment by Lawan, who also retained Olu Onemola and Tope Olowoyeye, aides to former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the forum’s spokesman, Abu Andrew, said the appointments were a glaring reward to people who have insulted President Buhari.

Responding to the development Adedayo said online: “I have never been a politician. But if politicians feel that it is their birthright, they can have the appointment. It is not a do or die affair for me at all. If I go there, I am going there to serve the country.”

Also yesterday, Deputy Senate President, Ovie 0mo-Agege, approved the appointments of Dr. Otive Igbuzor as his Chief of Staff and Yomi Odunuga as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity.

In a statement personally issued by him, he also announced the appointment of Lara Owoeye-Wise as Senior Special Assistant on electronic and new media.

He explained that the appointments, which took immediate effect, were based on merit.