By Queen Kunde
A coalition of civil society organizations has raised serious concerns over the ongoing selection process for the new Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and cancel the current appointment process.
At a press conference, the coalition, led by Coordinator Fateman Emmanuel and Secretary Kingsley Madu, expressed dissatisfaction with the process, citing alleged irregularities, favoritism, and political interference. They argued that the selection process had been compromised and that the most qualified candidates were being sidelined.
The group pointed to a February 11, 2025, statement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, which promised a transparent, structured, and merit-driven selection process. However, the coalition insists that these assurances have not been upheld, claiming that the examination process was neither fair nor transparent.
The coalition’s key demands include:
- A halt to the current appointment process, pending a review to ensure fairness.
- An assurance that political influence and favoritism will not dictate the selection.
- A direct presidential interaction with shortlisted candidates to verify their qualifications.
They further alleged that opposition party members had hijacked the process, warning that allowing the flawed selection to proceed could undermine the administration’s credibility and political prospects in the 2027 elections.
The coalition praised President Tinubu for his governance track record, particularly in upholding the federal character principle in appointments. However, they urged him to act decisively to protect the integrity of the AGF selection, ensuring that the most competent and qualified candidate emerges.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the Head of the Civil Service regarding these allegations. Nigerians now await the government’s next move on this critical appointment.
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