- Call for Adherence to Civil Service Rules
- Warn of Potential Disruptions to National Operation
A coalition of advocacy organizations, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN) and Support for Credible Leadership Initiative (SCLI), has criticized the recent appointment of Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).
The groups allege that the appointment, made on December 10, 2024, violates due process and civil service regulations, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the presidency.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Nwodo Chidiebere, Esq., representing the coalition, accused unnamed individuals within the presidency of orchestrating the premature removal of the incumbent AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein. Dr. Madein, known for implementing financial prudence measures, is not due to retire until March 2025.
“This move undermines President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s financial system and curb systemic corruption,” Chidiebere stated.
The coalition challenged claims by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga that Ogunjimi was the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). Instead, the groups presented evidence showing Ogunjimi’s last official posting was as a director in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the OAGF.
“This raises serious questions about how he suddenly became the ‘Director of Funds’ in the OAGF, we are demanding proof of any official document supporting Ogunjimi’s eligibility.” he added.
The coalition alleged that the appointment was engineered to install a pliable official who would serve the interests of powerful individuals within the presidency, rather than uphold accountability.
According to civil service rules, the most senior director in the OAGF should assume the role of AGF in an acting capacity pending a formal selection process. It identified Danladi Comfort Zakowi, Director of Finance, and Luka Joshua, Director of the Consolidated Accounts Department, as the rightful candidates for the acting position.
Furthermore, the coalition criticized the exclusion of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Watson-Jack, from the decision-making process. Watson-Jack was reportedly informed of Ogunjimi’s appointment via WhatsApp after it had been announced.
“This blatant disregard for procedures not only violates civil service ethics but also jeopardizes the integrity of President Tinubu’s financial reforms,” Chidiebere added.
The coalition warned that the appointment has already caused disruptions to government operations. No AGF was present at Thursday’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, a statutory requirement, and the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting scheduled for today risks being similarly affected.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Chidiebere emphasized. “This situation could stall crucial financial decisions, threatening the smooth functioning of national operations.”
It also called on President Tinubu to address the matter urgently by adhering to civil service regulations urging him to reinstate Dr. Madein or appoint a legitimate acting AGF through the proper process.
“Our country cannot continue to operate like a banana republic where anything goes,” Chidiebere declared. “We implore Mr. President to restore order and ensure that Nigeria’s financial management adheres to the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process.” they concluded.
