Datti’s elder brother, Hakeem, accepts to serve Shettima

• Muri-Okunola resigns as Lagos HoS for presidential job

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, elder brother to Datti, the Labour Party’s (LP) vice presidential candidate at the last general elections, has accepted to serve as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Hakeem, who is also spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), communicated his acceptance, in a statement, yesterday.

He said: “It is time to make it public that I have accepted the call to serve as Special Adviser (Political) to the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

“This is not the time for fence-sitting or criticism when you can be useful in turning the country round. I am honoured and humbled. Please pray for me and Nigeria.”

In a related development, Hakeem Muri-Okunola has resigned as Lagos State Head of Service (HoS) to take his new appointment as President Bola Tinubu’s Principal Secretary.

In a circular, he said his civil service career would terminate on September 29.

According to him, he has informed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of his voluntary retirement after nearly five years as HoS.

“I am grateful to MG and MDG and the entire executive council, the Body Of Permanent Secretaries, and the entire workforce of Lagos State for the opportunity to serve,” he said.

The Presidency had, on Sunday, announced his appointment, saying he would be bringing his wealth of experience to bear on his duties.