From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The federal government has dismissed reports questioning the legality of Abdullahi Mustapha’s tenure as Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) as misleading.
In a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the government clarified that the reappointment of any federal agency chief executive is the sole prerogative of the President, in line with extant laws.
The statement read, “In line with this, we confirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally approved the reappointment of Professor Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General of NBRDA for a final term of five years with effect from 31st October, 2024. The role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is to convey appointments, issue appointment letters, and document the appointee.”
It further noted that the SGF acts solely on the President’s directives and does not unilaterally appoint or extend tenures. The statement described claims of illegality, “impunity,” or procedural breaches as unfounded, urging the public and stakeholders to disregard false narratives.