Civil Society Warns Against Politicizing AGF Appointment



Pro-Impact Initiative has warned against the politicization of the Accountant-General of the Federation  Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein position, describing recent attacks on Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein as desperate attempts to manipulate civil service processes.


Dr. Osamudiamen Isokpehi, the group’s coordinator, said in Abuja that President Tinubu made the right decision to allow the AGF to complete her tenure. He criticized anonymous reports for misrepresenting public service rules.


The group clarified that the rules do not require three-month pre-retirement leave. Instead, they provide a structured process for transitioning out of service, which the AGF has adhered to.


Pro-Impact Initiative lamented that such misinformation undermines public trust in governance and institutions. They urged Nigerians to verify facts and reject politically motivated narratives.


Dr. Isokpehi reassured the public that the AGF’s office remains stable, with staff executing their duties professionally.


“ Ordinarily, we would have refrained from addressing such a matter, but the grave allegations levelled against the Civil Service, as represented by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), and by extension, His Excellency, the President, necessitate a response. The article, if left unchallenged, might regrettably be accepted as gospel truth by unsuspecting readers and laypersons.”


The group noted that ,” Contrary to the apparent intent of the writer, the piece unjustly portrays the President—an accomplished two-term governor of the distinguished Lagos State, a consummate entrepreneur, and an administrator par excellence—as deficient in understanding the intricacies of civil service rules and procedures. This baseless insinuation is not only uncharitable but egregiously undermines his well-documented capacity to navigate the complexities of governance. As Governor, the President oversaw numerous transitions involving senior career officers, including Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-Generals, and Auditor-Generals, with unwavering adherence to established protocols.



“The author of the articles should, as an initial act of contrition, offer an unequivocal apology to the President for maligning his reputation with such an ill-considered narrative.



“To contextualize the article appropriately, it is crucial to clarify the gross misrepresentation of the Public Service Rules (PSR) within its content. The distortion of the PSR provisions to suit the predispositions of its sponsor not only distorts the facts but also undermines public confidence in institutional processes.


He stated further that, “Specifically, the assertion that the OHCSF advised the President to reverse an earlier decision based on a flawed interpretation of the PSR is patently erroneous. The article misrepresents Section 120243 of the PSR, which states:


"Officers are required to give three months’ notice to retire from service before the effective date of retirement. At the commencement of three months, officers should proceed immediately on the mandatory one-month pre-retirement workshop/seminar. For the remaining two months, retiring officers are expected to take necessary measures to put their records straight so as to facilitate the speedy processing of their retirement benefits."


This provision does not mandate a three-month pre-retirement leave, as the article misleadingly suggests. Rather, it stipulates a structured three-month process towards eventual disengagement comprising a one-month pre-retirement workshop and two months allocated for administrative preparations.


In practice, the submission of a three-month notice triggers the succession planning process. For Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General, this notice enables the OHCSF to commence the selection of a successor. Similarly, in the case of the Auditor-General, it notifies the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission to initiate the selection process for a replacement.




The article further compounds its inaccuracies by alleging that Mr. Danladi Irmiya Kifasi, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, was directed to proceed on a three-month pre-retirement leave. There is nothing more far from the truth. A basic fact-check would have revealed that Mr. Kifasi was relieved of his duties due to broader considerations, including concerns surrounding a selection process he oversaw, rather than being subjected to any pre-retirement leave. He was never directed to proceed on 3-month pre-retirement leave as alleged. How could that be, when his 3 months ought to have started on October 1 but was removed in late October.



The facts unequivocally demonstrate that the decisions regarding the Accountant-General and the removal of Mr. Kifasi were fully aligned with the provisions of the PSR and the broader public interest.


Dr Isokpehi further lamented that the Enemies of the Accountant General “who are not good students of history, are still trying to exploit all avenue to perpetuate their evil plans” 


The group said, “ blinded by their desperation to takeover the office of the Accountant General, they ventured into the Civil Service rules in fruitless search of clauses to remove her.  We make bold to reemphasise  that this has remained optional for public servants. Even former Head of Civil service of the Federation, Mr Stephen Oransaye who was perceived to have  championed it did not go on Pre-Retirement leave. The records are there. Go and check”


“Permit me state clearly that On Tuesday, 13th August, 2024 being the retirement date for immediate past  Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi-Esan, CFR she handed over to the current Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON. She never proceeded on the ‘misinterpreted’ terminal leave that these characters want to force on Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein who is the Incumbent Accountant General of the Federation”.


Dr Isokpehi stated further that the Head of Civil service of the Federation Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack advised the president Professionally on the need to allow the current Accountant General of the Federation finish her tenure before an Acting one is appointed. “This is the position of the Nation’s number one civil servant and the custodian of the civil service rules.” 



He said, “contrary to the sponsored report, there is no single worry or concerns in the office of the Accountant General of the federation. Work is going on smoothly and staff are carrying out their assigned duties joyfully without fear, panic or anxiety”

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