EXTRA: ‘I’m paid for doing nothing’ — Islamic singer Labaeka resigns as Kwara governor’s aide

Ibraheem Abdulhameed, the Islamic singer popularly known as Labaeka, has resigned as special assistant on artiste matters to Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Kwara governor.

In a letter shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, the singer cited “lack of clear duties and opportunities to perform my responsibilities” as reasons for his resignation.

Labaeka was appointed in January 2023 but said he had been unable to achieve his goals due to unclear schedules and circumstances.

The singer requested that his salary be halted immediately, adding that “as an Islamic cleric, it goes against my beliefs to take a salary for doing nothing”.

“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,” the letter reads.

“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 utilise my talents for the development of our state.”

 

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A post shared by Hon. Alhaji Ibraheem Labaeka (@ibraheemlabaeka)