Again, Abba Kyari, Oyo-Ita clash over 3 female permanent secretaries
- Abba Kyari and Winifred Oyo-Ita have again disagreed on the reinstatement of some civil servants
- The duo had a disagreement over three female permanent secretaries who were disengaged for allegations of misappropriation
- However, the three women have been idle for the past three years despite been paid their salaries
The chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and the head of service, Winifred Oyo-Ita have disagreed over the disengagement of three career permanent secretaries from Nigeria's public service.
Following the disagreement between the duo, the three women have been idle for the past three years despite been paid their salaries.
Vanguard reports that trouble began for the women - Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele and Mrs. Ibukun Odusote - following an investigation of alleged misappropriation of funds in their respective ministries.
The women who were placed under watch were however replaced by the colleagues assigned to the various ministries.
READ ALSO: Outrage as SARS officer named John boasts he can kill anyone and IG will do nothing (photo)
It was gathered that Oyo-Ita in two contradicting letters to the president absolved the permanent secretaries of any offense and recommended that they be redeployed and be retired ‘in public interest’ on the other hand.
The letters were dated February 16, 2016 and March 17, 2017 respectively.
In the first letter Oyo-Ita had said that the allegations against Bamidele, Ejele and Odusote were baseless as no solid evidence.
She told the president to approve their retirement on the grounds that their positions had been filled and taken up by new appointees from those states.
The letter said: “Since it would be difficult for me to recommend their reinstatement because their positions have been occupied by the appointments of new permanent secretaries from their states.
“Furthermore, their reinstatement would defeat Government’s policy of a lean service. Finally, states that do not have permanent secretaries from their indigenes would complain such an action," it added.
READ ALSO: Kogi senator shown exit door as Federal High Court sacks him from National Assembly
However, disturbed by the HoS letter, Kyari in a memo dated April 25, 2016, with reference No. SH/COS/ 100/A/ 1437 asked her to justify her recommendation for the retirement of the three women ‘in the public interest’
Kyari said: “ From your submissions, it would appear that the three officers all of whom have been exonerated by the Investigation Committee are yet to meet the criteria for retirement either on length of service, age, or even the tenure principle.
None of them would also seem to have fallen under approved criteria used in respect of their erstwhile colleagues.
“You may therefore wish to provide the basis for your recommendation for their retirement “in public interest” other than your explanations in para 5 and 6 of your letter under reference," Kyari said.
Responding, Oyo-Ita said that the investigations into allegations of serious misconduct against the three permanent secretaries had been reviewed by the Federal Service Management Committee (FSMC) under her chairmanship.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Oyo-Ita said she is committed to reforms that are geared towards ensuring that the nation's civil service is efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred.
The head of service said the FCSSIP is prepared with a number of characteristics which have increased the likelihood of success relative to previous reform attempts.
She also listed some of the unique features to include high impact prioritisation of initiatives; specificity with actionable and detailed implementation plan; clear governance to drive reforms; partnerships for resources to support implementation; and change management as well as communication plan.
What does Nigeria need right now? (Nigerian Street Interview) | on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
