- ES refuses to vacate, says appointment of successor in error
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Unclear information over the headship of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has thrown the Commission and its staff, as well as stakeholders into palpable panic and confusion.
Two people, the incumbent Executive Secretary, Rev Yakubu Pam, and recently appointed Secretary of the Board, Dr Stephen Adegbite, are laying calms to the headship of the Commission, hence the confusion in the Commission.
Rev Pam through his media aide, Ayuba Pam, told Saturday Sun, that the recent appointment from the Presidency regarding NCPC was for the Board of the Commission, insisting that the Executive Secretary was neither mentioned nor asked to leave office.
In a Whatsapp message in response to Saturday Sun enquiry, Ayuba Pam said: “Not really. It was the Board that was reconstituted, not that it was an appointment of any new ES. Thanks for the concern.”
Similarly, a Staff of the Commission who pleaded anonymity said they are seriously confused on the matter, and that has affected official activities as well as loyalty and productivity of the staff.
The staff further confirmed that except the news of appointment of Board members for the Commission, there’s no communication to the Commission regarding the appointment of new NCPC Executive Secretary by the President.
“We have nothing to that effect. As at now (Friday morning), Rev. Pam is still the Executive Secretary. In fact, he superintended over management meeting few days ago. He also chaired general staff meeting on Friday morning. So, he’s still in charge of the Commission until otherwise is communicated to us from the right channels.”
Dr Adegbite, when contacted on Friday morning, confirmed that he was recently appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Commission. “But unfortunately, Pam and his cohorts are still living in denial of the development.
He explained: “There cannot be two Secretaries in the Board of any government agencies or parastatal. Besides, his letter of appointment never read Executive Secretary, rather it read Secretary of NCPC. Similarly, the Act that established NCPC recognised Secretary and not Executive Secretary.
“Every Secretary of Federal Parastatals can also be referred as Executive Secretary. Every body knows that. So, he is simply wasting his time with his cohorts. By the time letters are released from the government, then he will know where he belongs.
“So, Rev. Pam has been removed and I have been asked by the President to replace him. Rev. Pam is just wasting his time in that office claiming to be Executive Secretary of NCPC when unknowingly to him, his time is up. Very soon, the truth will be clear to him.”
Recall that few days ago, a statement came from the Presidency on the appointment of nine persons to serve on the board of the NCPC. The list included; Colonel Aloche Adole who was appointed the Chairman of the Board; Dr. Stephen Adegbite was appointed as the Secretary; Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola was appointed Member, (South West) and Clement Alobu Nweke (South East)
Others are Chief Prince Weli Wosu (South South); Prof. Joseph Haruna Mamman (North West); Dr. Toma Hamidu Ragnjiya (North East); Dr. Simon Abu Samson Dolly (North Central); and Bishop Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo (CAN).