How, where we received news of our sack – Ex-commissioners
By Adebayo Olodan/Mumini Abdulkareem and Matthew Denis
Some of the commissioners who sat atop decision making at various ministries in the state until 3pm, last Thursday, have spoken on how and where they received the news of their sack.
In separate telephone chats with our reporters, yesterday, some of the former commissioners were caught on a journey while others were in the middle of official meetings when the news hit them.
According to former commissioner for Education and Human Capital Devt, Engr. Musa Ayinla Yeketi, he was in the office treating files when he heard the news adding that he subsequently took it in good fate because it was expected.
For ex-Agric commissioner, Bamidele Adegoke, he got the information around 3pm through the radio while he was preparing a memo and he waited for the permanent secretary who later came around 4:30pm for him to hand over. He added that he was not surprised because there is an end to everything in life.
Similarly, former commissioner for women affairs, Hajia Ayinke Saka said she was working in her office as usual but was inundated with calls by people who heard the announcement 3pm on the radio. She however expressed appreciation to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his wife, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed for their unyielding support during her stay in office.
“It was a pleasure to serve in that role and I intend to continue championing the course of women folks in the state, she said”.
For former commissioner for Health, Atolagbe Alege, he was in an official meeting in the office around 3pm being a Thursday and he hurriedly concluded the meeting before handing over to the permanent secretary.
“It is a normal government procedure and as a politician and Muslim, I have to take it in good fate,” he noted.
According to former commissioner for information, Alhaji Babatunde Ajeigbe, he went to see someone when the news of the sack was broken to him.
He said he was preparing for a radio programme adding that it was not too surprising as similar exercise had been carried out by other state governors to speed up the process of governance.
Similarly, the former commissioner for Energy, Muideen Alalade told National Pilot that he was attending to some people who complained about the issue of power supply in their area.
Also Ahmed Mohammed Rifun, who held the Land and Housing portfolio, said he received the news while approaching Bida, Niger State on his way to Abuja, for an official assignment, through a WhatsApp message.
Former commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Aminat Ahmed said she heard the news from his brother in the night after her return from Kaiama. “I just bowed my head (Sujud) saying Allahu Akbar, Alhamullilahi. I was not moved and I have no regrets at all.
For former commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya, he said he was holding a meeting but was not distracted when the news came in. He later called the permanent secretary to do the handing over.
Similarly, former commoner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muhammed Haruna Tambiri said he was driving from Government House to the office and he diverted his car and drove home thereafter. He said he want to be remembered for his accomplishment in office which included the inauguration of eight first class chiefs and no single query among others.
The ex-commissioners all thanked the leadership of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Governor Ahmed and the citizens of the state for the opportunity given them to serve and the support extended while in office.