Why I Sacked 98 Aides – Saraki

The Office of the Senate President has said that the sacking of aides to Senator Bukola Saraki is for efficiency.

The office, which however refused to confirm the number of those affected, explained that most of the officials affected were those posted from the National Assembly Service Commission, who were deployed back to the service.

Sources in the Senate, have put the number at 98.

A source in the Senate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the affected officials were inherited by Saraki, including the Director of Protocol, Arthur Ndiwe, who had occupied the office since Senator Ken Nnamani was the Senate President.

It was further gathered that those affected were issued sack letters through the Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in batches.

The Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, while briefing journalists on the development said the downsizing was based on Saraki’s discretion based on the judgment of a review committee.

Olaniyonu explained that the “staff review” was the outcome of an assessment exercise which started four months ago.

He said, “It is entirely his (Saraki’s) discretion to determine who works with him, those who are helping his agenda, and those areas where gaps need to be filled. This is important for the efficiency of the office.

Olaniyonu further said the members of staff were in three categories: those who were considered fit to remain in office, those who needed to be removed, and the fresh hands needed to be brought in.