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Group Urges FCT Minister to Address Tenure Extension Concerns in Public Service
Group Urges FCT Minister to Address Tenure Extension Concerns in Public Service
A Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Transparency and Accountability in Public Service, has called on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to be wary of some top management staff of the Administration who have extended their tenure for selfish ambition.
The group in a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Barrister Chidi Ejifor, and made available to journalists said public servants extending their tenure has raised questions amongst civil servants of the Administration.
The Coordinator maintained that in recent scrutiny, a top public servant has come under the spotlight for overstaying his designated service years, sparking concerns about transparency and accountability within the public sector.
The group alleged that the current Director of Operation Planning and Strategy in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prince Samuel U. Atang, has consistently amended his service records, thereby elongating his stay in service.
According to the group, “we have empirical evidence to show that Prince Samuel U. Atang has overstayed his welcome in public service.
“Recall that one Mr. Senen Udo, who retired from the services of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in July 2021, was Atang’s mate during the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“It is also on record that when Mallam Bashir Mohammed, was appointed as Director of Human Resource management, Prince Atang could not hide his grievances and told everyone who care to listen that he was the officer who documented Bashir at the point of entry into the service.
“He alleges that they gave the position to his junior because he is not from the northern part of the country and not a Muslim.
“It may also shock you to know that his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Okoli Atang, retired last year as Director of Pension in FCT Administration after attaining the mandatory age of 60 years. By and large, those who served with him, and those he documented as staff including his wife have left the service after putting in 35 years or attaining 60 years of age. Atang remains the “old soldier never dies or the last man standing”.
Ejifor affirmed that the prolonged tenure of this individual has raised questions about the adherence to established guidelines and the potential impact on organizational dynamics.
He also noted that while public servants play a crucial role in serving the nation, it is essential that their terms of service are respected to maintain a fair and equitable system.
In his words: “The overstaying of service years not only violates established protocols but also presents a challenge to the principles of meritocracy and the infusion of fresh perspectives within the public sector.
“This situation prompts a broader examination of the institutional mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce adherence to service timelines.
“Addressing such cases is crucial not only for maintaining the integrity of the public service but also for fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility”.
He, therefore, called on the FCT Minister to critically look into the issue with a view to rebuilding trust and maintaining the credibility of the public sector.
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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