The spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has announced his appointment as the Special Adviser (Political) to the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima.
Dr. Hakeem, who is the elder brother of Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election Datti Baba-Ahmed, announced his appointment on X today, Sept. 18, and said it was no time to be “fence-sitting”.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed wrote: “It is time to make it public that I have accepted the call to serve as Special Adviser on political matters to the VP, @KShettim.”
He added: “This is not the time for fence-sitting or criticism when you can be useful in turning the country round. I am honored and humbled. Please pray for me & Nigeria.”
Baba-Ahmed was a former chief of staff to Bukola Saraki, former senate president from 2017 – 2019.
Baba-Ahmed’s latest appointment sparked mixed reactions on Twitter. While some congratulated him, others condemned him for accepting an appointment from his brother’s opposition.
@IkechukwuEzeh10 wrote: “This is really dishonourable Sir. Joining with the enemy to mock your brother after the sham election.”
@Ucheanyanwu wrote: “You can only pretend for so long, the true picture will never be hidden. The vice president of a truth has no special authority so I wonder of what use your advice would be to him or even help in influencing policies. To agree to serve in this government is to authenticate the evil that produced them. I state categorically and unequivocally that your stand on principles of good governance is a hoax, you are at best a religious and regional warrior!”