Why Saraki sacked his aides –Spokesperson

L

Office of the Senate President on Thursday said the sacking of aides to Senator Bukola Saraki was for efficiency.

It said the exercise was to reposition the office for efficient service delivery.

The office, which refused to confirm the total 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 however put the number at 98.

SEE ALSO: Saraki sacks 98 aides

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 Senate President.

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

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

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

He said, “It is entirely at 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.

“It is not a negative thing; it is to ensure that the office is more invigorated and better positioned. It is possible some new people may also be joining in areas lapses have been observed.”