Bella Ifasola
ILORIN, Nigeria – A popular Nigerian Islamic cleric and singer Ibraheem Abdulhameed, known by his stage name Labaeka, has officially resigned from his position as Special Assistant, Artiste to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In a letter, dated September 12, 2023, Abdulhameed expressed his frustration with the role, stating that he had not been given a clear schedule of duties or the opportunity to perform his responsibilities.
He said in the letter: “I cannot continue to break that trust by taking a salary for doing nothing,” he wrote, signalling his disappointment with the lack of clarity surrounding his position.
“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.
“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 be stopped 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.”