- Islamic cleric and singer, Ibrahim Abdulhameed, also known as Labaeka, resigned as the Special Assistant to the Kwara State governor
- Labaeka claimed that he could no longer collect salary for doing nothing
- Nigerians commned him for being honest
Popular Islamic cleric and singer, Ibrahim Abdulhameed, also known as Labaeka, has resigned from his position as Special Assistant on Artiste Matters to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The cleric posted his resignation letter, dated September 12 and addressed to the governor on his Instagram page, @ibraheemlabaeka on Thursday, September 12.
In the letter, Labaeka expressed his gratitude to the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve in the administration but also expressed his frustration with the role, stating that he had not had the opportunity to carry out his responsibilities. He said he could not continue to receive a salary for doing nothing.
The letter reads: “I am writing this letter with all sense of humility and gratitude for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Special Assistant, Artiste, in your cabinet.
“Having served in this capacity for a period of 1 year and 7 months. I wish to respectfully tender my resignation.
“Your Excellency, as you may recall, I was offered an appointment to serve as your Special Assistant, Artist, on 6th January 2023. I accepted the offer because I saw it as a call to service and an opportunity to showcase my talents.
“Regrettably, I have not been able to achieve any of these things. Aside from the fact that I don’t have a specific schedule of duty, circumstances have not availed me the opportunity to perform my responsibilities maximally.
“Therefore, since my appointment is based on public trust. I cannot continue to break that trust by taking a salary for doing nothing. As an Islamic cleric. it is against my beliefs, and I haven’t been at peace with myself.
“So I want my salary to stop immediately. I am grateful for the confidence reposed in me. and I hope that one day. I will be able to fully utilize my talents for the development of our state.”
Nigerians react to Labaeka’s resignation
Many Nigerians have commended him for being honest and God-fearing. Some people believe the country needs more people like him to be better.
Here are some of the comments:
@Candyboi_ng posted: “He should go viral he’s rare in our country.”
@DavidPine_ posted: “What he did is noble, if all Nigerians had this mindset, Nigeria would be better for it. On the other hand, what was in his mind with that type of office being assigned to him; till now I don’t seem to understand that title Wallahi.”
@firdaouzz posted: “This can only happen in Ilorin... Ilorin men are so humble and God-fearing till date, the women are the only problem.”
@Princeutd1P posted: “That's what most of them are doing to us, he have good conscience that's why he resigned.”
@iamthepreence posted: “If true. So many positions in the Kwara state government are photo ops. They are just figureheads, starting from their oga patapata “Deputy governor”. Senior project commissioner. That's why someone will be made a hybrid SSA on entertainment and still be doing his/her day-to-day activities in another serious state. They need to be checking that state when it comes to politics. Aje. Na mallam get the whole key for hand.”
@NaroSCOPE posted: “If he thought it deep to resign on the basis of collecting government money for doing nothing officially, then he deserves to get a rank in the heart of Nigerian for portraying honesty that is rare in our political system. If he won become governor of kwara state we go tick am.”
@Brave_Xpensive posted: “I'm just here wondering how many more are getting paid EVERY MONTH for doing absolutely nothing.... And we are surprised we are where we are as a nation 🚮 Kudos Mr Labaika👍”
@CnnOmega posted: “It's very impressive for having the courage to resign and speak out. You'll be remembered for setting a good pace in our political landscape.”
@winnex_official posted: “Finally I can see lite at the end of the tunnel for my dear country Nigeria. This is a step in the right direction.”
Seyi Law appreciates Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa on SSA appointment
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that popular Nigerian comedian Oluwaseyi Aletile, otherwise known as Seyi Law, appreciated the governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for appointing him as Senior Special Assistant on entertainment and tourism.
In an appreciation letter titled Acceptance and Appreciation Message by Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile as SSA to Ondo State Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, comedian Seyi Law expressed his gratitude for the consideration and his significant role.