Politicians meddling in appointment sets stage for stealing funds
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Directors shortlisted to replace suspended federal Accountant General Ahmed Idris have recruited politicians to peddle their influence for them to snaffle the job at the core of the treasury that stores Nigeria’s cash and other financial instruments.
The clear implication is that the successful candidate may end up colluding with his or her benefactors to steal more public money, as is the case of Idris whom the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) alleged grabbed N170 billion.
A circular issued on 6 July by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, (HSFC) Folasade Yemi-Esan, listed 14 Directors from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who are to be screened for the post.
The MDAs range from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to Police Affairs Ministry, National Boundary Commission (NBC), National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and many more.
The 14 Directors up for screening are:
- Muhammad Murtala Saleh – from the OAGF
- Chizea Onochie Peter – OAGF
- Lydia Jafiya Shehu – OAGF
- Bakre Modupe Julianah – Police Affairs Ministry
- Danladi Comfort Zakowi – NSCDC
- Abah George Fidelis – Immigration
- Omachi Raymond Omenka – Interior Ministry
- lbrahim Saadiyya Jibo – NBC
- Mohammed Aminu YarAbba – Federal Fire Service
- Samuel A. Waziri – Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry
- Mahmud Adam Kambari – North East Development Commission
- Mohammed Magaji M. Doho – Education Ministry
- Mufutahu Bukolah – Transportation Ministry
- Yusuf Abdullahi Musa II – Information and Culture Ministry
The process of selecting the federal Accountant General in recent years has captured public attention as the government tries to select who it considers best for the job.
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Related articles:
Abuja shortlists 14 Directors for fed Accountant job
EFCC catches Idris in another alleged N90b fraud
Acting fed Accountant replaced over alleged N80b fraud
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APC members in on the game
The candidates are lobbying members of the All Progressive Alliance (APC) and Aso Rock officials close to President Muhammadu Buhari who has the constitutional duty to personally appoint the Accountant General.
“I know two of them who have met Senators and House of Representatives members representing their constituencies to help them lobby for the position,” a source confided in The PUNCH.
Another source, a contractor who has knowledge of the number of applicants, confirmed some are making frantic efforts to get the post through politicians, but stressed the Villa is trying to appoint the best person.
“From what I have heard, the federal government will look into the files of the shortlisted Directors to ensure that anybody appointed is clean for everybody, but the lobbying is on,” he said.
Uche Nwogwugwu, a professor of economics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka argued the situation in the Accountant General’s office shows the civil service is enmeshed in corruption.
“The system is infested with hierarchical corruption. If you put anyone there under pressure, you will see they are not clean,” he said, stressing the need to appoint someone with a good profile.
