A Civil Society Organisation focused on Transparency and Accountability in Public Service has issued a call to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, urging him to be cautious of certain high-ranking officials within the Administration who have extended their tenure for personal gain.
The organization, through its National Coordinator, Barrister Chidi Ejifor, expressed concerns amongst FCT civil servants extending their tenure, urging Minister Wike to investigate.
In recent scrutiny, the CSO said it was revealed that a senior FCT public servant has exceeded his designated years of service, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the public sector, insisting that FCT Minister Wike should check such allegations.
The group which drew the attention of Minister Wike to such activities in the FCT, alleges that the current Director of Operation Planning and Strategy in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prince Samuel U. Atang, has consistently manipulated his service records, thereby prolonging his stay in service.
The CSOs informed FCT Minister Wike that they have concrete evidence to support their claims that Prince Samuel U. Atang has overstayed his welcome in the public service.
1. The problem
To provide context, the CSO said: “One Mr. Senen Udo, who retired from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in July 2021, was Atang’s colleague during their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) period.
“Additionally, when Mallam Bashir Mohammed was appointed as Director of Human Resource Management, Prince Atang openly expressed his grievances, stating that he was the officer responsible for documenting Bashir’s entry into the service. Atang alleges that the position was given to his junior due to regional and religious factors,” the CSO claimed.
2. The CSO’s Claim
The CSOs also claimed that Prince Atang’s wife, Mrs Elizabeth Okoli Atang, retired last year as the Director of Pension in the FCT Administration after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
“While those who served alongside Atang, including his wife, have left the service after completing 35 years or reaching 60 years of age, Atang remains in his position, earning him the reputation of being the “old soldier who never dies” or the “last man standing.”
Ejifor emphasized that the prolonged tenure of this individual raises concerns about adherence to established guidelines and its potential impact on organizational dynamics. He stressed the importance of respecting the terms of service for public servants to maintain a fair and equitable system, as they play a crucial role in serving the nation.
3. Implication of FCT civil servants extending tenure
Ejifor stated, “The extension of service years not only goes against established protocols but also challenges the principles of meritocracy and the introduction of fresh perspectives within the public sector. This situation calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the institutional mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce adherence to service timelines.”
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He said addressing such cases is vital not only to uphold the integrity of the public service but also to foster a culture of accountability and responsibility.
Ejifor urged the FCT Minister to thoroughly investigate the matter, with the aim of rebuilding trust and preserving the credibility of the public sector.
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