By Philip Yatai
A civil society group, Pro-Impact Initiative, has commended President Bala Tinubu for allowing the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, to conclude her tenure.
The group’s Coordinator, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi, gave the commendation at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday.
Isokpehi explained that Tinubu’s decision to allow Madein to complete her tenure aligns with civil service protocols and national interest.
“The President is well-informed and experienced in navigating governance complexities.
"As a two-term governor of Lagos State and seasoned administrator, he has demonstrated adherence to established protocols," he said.
The coordinator condemned alleged attempts by some unidentified individuals to malign the AGF and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.
The duo were accused in a media report of abusing the Public Service Rule (PSR) over Tinubu's decision to allow the AGF to complete her tenure before appointing a successor.
Isokpehi dismissed the reports, which he said were merely to discredit the AGF and HCSF.
He described the attacks as "calculated attempts to mislead the public and blackmail patriotic public servants for selfish interests."
He accused those fueling the controversy of being impatient in their ambition to occupy the AGF’s office.
The coordinator debunked claims that the AGF or the HCSF acted against the PSR, clarifying that the rule does not mandate a three-month pre-retirement leave, as suggested in the controversial reports.
"The rule states that officers should give a three-month notice before retirement, during which they attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar and use the remaining time for administrative preparations.
"It is not mandatory for officers to proceed on pre-retirement leave," he explained.
He cited past examples, including former Head of Service Mr Stephen Oronsaye, who did not take pre-retirement leave, and De Folasade Yemi-Esan, who handed over without such leave.
Isokpehi criticized the use of anonymous sources in such reports, which he said was an indication of lack of credibility.
“Those who claim to speak the truth should not hide behind anonymity.
“The article is filled with grave allegations against the civil service and by extension, the President. Such distortions cannot go unchallenged," he said.
Contrary to claims of unrest in the AGF’s Office, Isokpehi said that operations had continued smoothly under Madein’s leadership.
“There is no panic or anxiety among staff at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Work is progressing seamlessly with employees carrying out their duties joyfully,” he said.
He called on detractors to desist from exploiting civil service rules to further their personal ambitions and urged Nigerians to reject attempts to politicize the tenure of public officers.
“Let us focus on strengthening our institutions rather than undermining them with baseless attacks,” Isokpehi said.
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