By Damilare Adeleye
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr. Gbogi Emmanuel, has rejected the appointment of Special Assistant offered to him by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Mr. Emmanuel, who reportedly rejected the appointment in a letter he personally signed, dated September 7, 2024 and addressed to the governor, said that the appointment came as a surprise to him as he was not consulted by anyone about his willingness or availability for the appointment before the announcement.
He also stated that he could not accept the appointment because it was seen as to be below his capabilities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had on Friday listed Mr. Emmanuel as one of the new 316 Special Assistants he appointed without any designated portfolios.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced the appointment of 28 new Senior Special Assistants and 316 new Special Assistants into his cabinet.
But Mr. Emmanuel noted that following the initial announcement of his appointment as Chairman of the Transition Committee of Akoko South South LCDA, which was later rescinded, he had returned to his business commitments in the United States, where he resides.
In the letter titled, “Declination of Special Assistant Appointment” Mr. Emmanuel said, “I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering me for the position of Special Assistant in your recent appointments.
“However, after careful reflection, I regret to inform you that I must respectfully decline this offer.
“To be honest, the appointment came as a surprise, as I was not consulted by anyone about my willingness or availability beforehand.
“Following the initial announcement of my appointment as Chairman of the Transition Committee of Akoko South South LCDA, which was later rescinded, I had returned to my business commitments in the United States, where I reside.”
He further said “The circumstances surrounding the removal of my name from the initial announcement, which was later revealed that I was the only one that suffered such fate in the whole of the state and the subsequent replacement, led me to believe that my contributions were no longer valued in your administration and the party.
“I felt this decision was a clear indication that my presence was no longer needed.
“While I appreciate the offer, I fear that this new appointment, which is a political strategy to recruit ward canvassers ahead of next Governorship election but cunningly decorated as Special Assistant to the Governor may be perceived as a demotion, and I cannot in good conscience accept a role that may be seen as beneath my capabilities.
“Please know that I wish you and the party the best in your future endeavours.”