Lawan withdraws appointment of Festus Adedayo as media adviser

Ahmed Lawan

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has withdrawn the appointment of Festus Adedayo barely 48 hours after his appointment as special adviser on media and publicity.

Mr Adedayo’s appointment on Tuesday was followed by criticisms even on social media despite his experience as special adviser on media to ex-governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, from 2011 to 2015.

His critics called for his removal on the grounds that he was a vocal critic of President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement from Office of President of the Senate on Thursday said that it reviewed the appointment of Adedayo and rescinded its earlier decision on it.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.

“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 statement said.

A reliable source close to Lawan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the decision to drop Adedayo was reached on Wednesday night in a meeting by key officers of the upper chamber.