Controversy as Head of Service Reverses Presidential Decision on New Accountant-General
In a recent development, the Federal Government has decided to delay the appointment of Mr. Shelmsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) following counsel from the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. The Head of Civil Service expressed concern that the appointment should not occur until the conclusion of the terminal leave of the current AGF, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
The Economic Confidential gathered that Mrs. Madein, who is being investigated by anti-corruption agencies over alleged malpractices was reportedly taken by surprise by the announcement of a successor without her input. She insisted on fulfilling the mandatory retirement procedures before stepping down.
The situation has created tension within the public service, as there are allegations that the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack misled the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the Federal Government Public Service Rules related to retirement.
The contentious issue centers around Section 120243 of the Federal Government Public Service Rules, which outlines the necessary procedures for retirement. According to sources, the Office of the Head of Civil Service “wrongly” advised President Tinubu to hold off on appointing a new AGF until March 7, 2025, when Mrs. Madein’s tenure officially expires. However, it has also been revealed that the President acted within his rights in moving forward with the appointment.
Historically, a similar approach was taken by former Head of Civil Service, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, who adhered to this section of the rules during his tenure under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Based on Section 120243, Madein is expected to disengage by December 7, 2024, as it stipulates that officers must provide three months’ notice before retirement and undergo a mandatory one-month pre-retirement workshop.
A top senior public officer in the civil service told Economic Confidential that the President was misled to pause Ogunjimi’s appointment based on an advisory from the Head of Civil Service,
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“It is not mandatory for the outgoing AGF to remain in office for the full three months. Moreover, civil servants nearing retirement typically engage minimally in their roles during this period, focusing instead on transitioning responsibilities to successors.”
“It is disturbing the rampant “sit-tight syndrome” in public service by senior officers, where individuals remain in office until their last day without facilitating a smooth transition. It was a similar sit-tight syndrome that later consumed a former Accountant General of Federation Ahmed Idris who is currently being prosecuted over N109bn fraud allegation.
“There appears to be a concerted effort to reverse Ogunjimi’s appointment and misinterpret public service rules. Some factions are dissatisfied with the President’s choice and are attempting to undermine it, knowing he prefers due process.”
A retired Permanent Secretary, speaking on the condition of anonymity, asserted, “This situation reflects an attempt by the Head of Civil Service to override the President’s authority, which is unprecedented. The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) was removed despite still having time left in his term.”
President Tinubu appointed Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation on December 10. A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, indicated that Ogunjimi’s appointment came into effect immediately following the incumbent AGF’s pre-retirement leave.
Onanuga emphasized that the transition aims to ensure continuity in Nigeria’s treasury management and advance the current administration’s treasury policy reforms. Ogunjimi, a career civil servant with over 30 years of experience in financial management, has previously held prominent positions, including Director of Funds at the Office of the Accountant General and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A chartered accountant and certified fraud examiner, Ogunjimi holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting. In expressing his confidence in Ogunjimi, President Tinubu stated, “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is vital to our nation’s treasury management operations. Mr. Ogunjimi’s extensive experience and proven competence will ensure the ongoing effectiveness of this crucial institution as we pursue our economic reform agenda.”
This unfolding situation highlights the complexities and tensions within Nigeria’s civil service as it navigates issues of leadership and governance.
