The Honourable representing Ibadan South West/North West Federal Constituency, Saheed Fijabi has accused the Minister of Communication, Abduraheem Adebayo Shittu of neglecting some of his official duties to pursue his aspiration of becoming the next Oyo State Governor.

Honourable Fijabi who made this statement at the monthly breakfast media chat with South-west Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), which was held at the studio of CEOAfrica, added that the minister has been too distracted by his political ambition to focus on his ministerial duties.

Reacting to an alleged disagreement between him and the minister, the lawmaker stated that he has no quarrels with the Hon. Minister. He said “I have no quarrels with the minister but I do not appreciate the fact that he is letting his future ambition cloud his focus on his present position.”  

While noting that it is just barely two years since the Minister’s appointment into office, Hon. Fijabi who is also the Chairman House Committee on Telecommunications, Federal House of Representative, stated that Mr Shittu was supposed to concentrate on achieving his set goals of his present office, rather that expending time, energy and resources running for a future position.

“Just two years of after appointment, you are already campaigning and making preparations for becoming the next state governor. So, what time will you have to focus on your official duties? What time will you have to achieve your laid down goal?” the lawmaker asked.

When asked if he is also interested in running for the seat of the governor of Oyo State, Hon. Fijabi stated that he has not in any way declared his intention to run, adding that he is still focused on his present official duties and how he will use his present position to make a positive impact in his state and constituency.

The lawmaker said “I have not declared my intention to run for the position of Oyo State Governor because I am praying to God to enable me and work harder and achieve success in my capacity as an Honourable member of House of Representatives.”

He added “However, if the opportunity rises for me to run or if my people demand that I run, then why not? Who doesn’t desire a prospect of career advancement? As you journalists are seated here, if you are offered appointment to head a major department at Cable Network News (CNN), won’t you honour it?”

According to the Honourable, sometimes, age is not a factor that determines responsibility; however, power and position require utmost responsibility and accountability. He noted that If one is in a position of power, one must learn how to tolerate others while focusing on his responsibilities.

Speaking about his relationship with Mr Shittu, Hon. Fijabi reiterated that he has no problems with him and that he respects him as an elder. He however urged the minister to focus on his official duties and accord some respect to his bosses.