By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted november 20th, 2024
The Federal Government has reportedly ordered the reversal of Mr. Shelmsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi’s appointment as Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and reinstatement of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein until March 2025.
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The incident has raised questions about due process and governance in public appointments, as it impacts the resolution of ongoing challenges in balancing merit, regional equity, and procedural compliance in Nigeria’s public service leadership.
According to snippets gleaned from the issue, Mrs. Madein, who had earlier been directed to retire, is now reportedly set to continue as AGF. This decision was formalized through a letter from the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. George Akume.
Policy monitors had pointedly argued that Ogunjimi’s appointment ignored procedural norms. Ogunjimi, a Director previously assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allegedly lacked the necessary approvals to reassume a role in the Office of the Accountant General. Furthermore, his selection reportedly bypassed two more senior Northerners eligible to serve in an acting capacity under succession guidelines.
To bring to light the seeming discrepancy, activist Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed highlighted concerns about regional and procedural biases in the initial appointment of Ogunjimi, accusing the Presidency and Finance Minister Wale Edun of orchestrating the appointment in disregard of established norms. This has sparked debates on equitable representation and adherence to public service laws.
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“A circular dated 3 September, 2024, had posted Shamuseldeen, a director in the OAGF, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No circular had reposted him back to the OAGF and he is not the most senior to take over in the event the AGF is retiring or leaving. Danladi Comfort Zakowi, who is the current Director of Finance or Luka Joshua, Director of CAD Department, would have taken over in Acting Capacity. This didn’t happen.
“Another curious twist is that while Mrs Madein is only due to proceed on retirement leave in March 2025, Shamulsedeen has already resumed and has been using policemen to prevent Mrs. Madein from entering the office, confirming insinuation that someone in the Presidency is pushing Shamulsedeen to take over the OAGF
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Many establishment persons argue that the imbroglio was avoidable but thought the reversal of the decision was proper in order to uphold the credibility of the civil service. The reversal underscores the importance of adherence to due process and transparent governance in high-level appointments.
However, the controversies surrounding the case could have lasting implications for the public’s trust in the government’s commitment to fairness and institutional integrity. Going forward, clarifications and policy adherence are essential to mitigate such controversies in the future.