The Amalgamated Forum of Northern Youth, a prominent pressure group with widespread representation in the northern states, has raised concerns about Minister of Works, David Umahi, and his alleged disregard for due process within the ministry.
According to the group’s leader, Bala Musa, Umahi’s management of the ministry resembles that of a private company, which has raised suspicions among the youth.
Furthermore, the group accuses Umahi and the permanent secretary, Mr. Yakubu Kofarmata, of intentionally marginalizing and obstructing senior staff members, particularly those from the northern and southwestern regions.
“The permanent secretary is making deliberate efforts to frustrate senior staff members from the north and those of Yoruba origin, perceiving them as a potential threat,” reveals Bala Musa.
The group claims to possess credible evidence indicating that the minister has transferred directors who consistently prioritize adherence to governmental protocols governing office conduct.
“Directors and deputy directors who advocate for adherence to civil service guidelines have either been reassigned or marginalized. Notably, the directors of Construction and Rehabilitation (C&R), Procurement, and Audit/Checking, known for their strict adherence to regulations, have been reassigned,” the group alleges.
The group further alleges that the replacement of the Director of C&R with a significantly less experienced staff member has resulted in a decline in the department’s efficiency.
“As a consequence, numerous files remain unprocessed, exacerbating the situation. Contractors are now required to provide financial incentives for prompt file processing and payment. Unfortunately, kickbacks are still demanded from contractors at the time of payment. The ministry is suffering gravely,” laments Bala Musa.
The group asserts that due to the absence of due process within the ministry, many senior staff members are dissatisfied but are unable to voice their concerns for fear of retaliation.
The group claims to have obtained information suggesting a deliberate effort to silence senior staff members from the northern region due to perceived threats posed by their presence within the ministry.
Additionally, the group alleges that contractors have been forced to abandon worksites due to non-payment, but fear speaking out as it could result in their blacklisting.
The minister and the permanent secretary are accused of demanding a percentage of contract awards and repeating this demand at the time of payment. Furthermore, the group claims that they have taken control of Bill One, which was previously utilized by state offices for operational expenses.
The youth are calling on the president to take decisive action by either dismissing or reassigning the works minister and promptly appointing a new permanent secretary. They argue that these individuals’ actions contradict the government’s commitment to revitalizing the country’s infrastructure.
