The co-founder of BudgIT, Seun Onigbinde, has resigned his appointment as the Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

Onigbinde’s appointment had brought reactions from Nigerians on social media, as a known critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, for accepting to serve in an administration he once described as a failure.

Onigbinde announced his appointment on September 6 in Medium post. He said the appointment was at the behest of an international development agency.

On Sunday, the Buhari media Organisation (BMO) issued a statement, condemning the appointment of Onigbinde whom they said lacks honour and integrity for accepting to serve in a government he criticised.

Ten days after announcing his appointment, Oginbinde on his Twitter page today, Monday, September 16, announced his resignation following criticisms from social media.

Read his full statement below:

Kindly recall that I sent out a note recently on my interest to seek new experiences and that I would be working as a Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning for a short period.

It is clear that recent media reports about my appointment have created a complex narrative, which I believe would engender an atmosphere of mistrust, as I planned to proceed.

Upon further reflections on the furore that has been generated by my new role as the Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, I humbly resign the appointment.

I am very grateful to the Honourable Minister, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, for believing in my expertise and I also thank everyone who sent his or her congratulations to me in the short period. I have also been humbled by the faith and belief that numerous persons have expressed in me.

My sincere interest is to see a Nigeria that grows and optimises resources for the benefits of all Nigerians.

My loyalty to the good cause of our nation, Nigeria compelled me to accept the call to provide technical skills and this experience has more than strengthened it.

I also want to wish the Nigerian Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, well. I will always be of help to the federal government in my capacity as the Director of BudgIT, a critical fiscal transparency group, as I have been to several agencies. I would also work to ensure that BudgIT continues to build civic awareness on the right of every Nigerian to know how public resources are managed.

Thank you all.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

•Based on reports by Channels TV and The Guardian.

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