I read with disdain an article written by Abdullahi Ikokoro whom I presume does not understand the genesis of what transpired or is a deliberate attempt to try to justify the action of Mr President playing politics over good governance.

Abdulahi Ikokoro in an attempt to justify the unjustifiable, distorted facts came up with information that lacks coherence.  I chief J.B Ayeni who’s name was mentioned with others feel as an elderly man of my age, It is imperative not to let this falsehood stand for record purposes and for posterity.

Let me start by saying that, I am an ardent supporter and follower of Late Dr. Olusola Saraki as far back as thirty years. In all our political journey with the Late Waziri, he had never cast away any of us, and to the best of my knowledge, no one. Interestingly, when Dr. Bukola Saraki also became the Executive Governor of Kwara State, my self and many of us rallied round and worked with him in one capacity or the other. 

Having served the state for almost four years, precisely on the 11th of January 2011, I Chief J. B Ayeni put in my letter of resignation as the then Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs. The said letter was addressed to His Excellency, Dr Bulola Saraki, former Governor of Kwara State. In the letter, I referred to the reason for disengagement from the state cabinet which is purely as a result of my political ambition and that I have moved into another political party. The then Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Saka Isau replied my letter on behalf of the State Government wherein, my resignation letter was acknowledged and accepted. So for the record, I was not sacked nor made to resign as being painted by the writer. This I did, mainly to enable me concentrate on my political activities, my letter remains a public document and I urge Abdulahi Ikokoro to avail himself a copy. The same applies to my other colleagues in the cabinet, Mrs Adunmo who like me also resigned to pursue her political ambition under the umbrella of ACPN.

‎It is noteworthy to mention that while serving as a commissioner under Senator Bukola Saraki, never did he put politics above competence and loyalty was never made a precondition for appointment. In his wake-up call to his appointees during his second stint as governor,  Saraki made it clear to all of his appointees that as much he welcomes our loyalty, competence and delivery of quality service should be our watch word and guiding principle. This he never failed to reiterate that it is performance and not loyalty that will earn us higher responsibility or secure our posts. Saraki's determination to enthrone competence in public office made him search far and wide, including the opposition camps to run his government.

Consequent upon this, I will give examples to buttress my assertion, Mrs Nike Akinpelu nee Sayomi the daughter of the former Deputy Governor of the state under the late Mohammed Lawal was appointed permanent secretary in the ministry of Justice & solicitor-general of Kwara state. In my years in politics, I am not aware of any government, who will give the position of Solicitor General to someone from opposition camp. It is a known fact that Saraki fought his most bitter political battle with the political camp of this appointee. Today,the same woman has been appointed a judge of the state High court. Also, former labour leader in the state who was most critical of Saraki government, Comrade Adefila was also appointed as permanent secretary, Ministry of Water resources. 

Further to this, Alh Saka Onimago resigned as commissioner on October 25th of 2008, way before the emergence of ACPN. Bibire Ajape was elected as council chairman and was not a member of the State Executive, nor an appointee of the former Governor. Other names mentioned like Aisha Ibrahim and Barrister Abolarin were not members of the State Executive cabinet or held any position in Senator Saraki’s government, they were party officials.

Therefore, I see Abdullahi's paper as a deliberate attempt to dent the image and soil the reputable name of Late Olusola Saraki's family and the integrity of his amiable son, Dr. Bukola Saraki when he said I was sacked from the Government as Commissioner for no other reason than my pledge of loyalty to the late sage. This is totally untrue.

I have come out to say this despite any differences I might have had with Senator Bukola Saraki at that time, nevertheless, the truth must be told to put the records straight.

Yours sincerely
Chief James Ayeni