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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Pro-Impact Initiative, a civil society group, has strongly condemned recent efforts to undermine the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Walson-Jack, following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to allow Madein to complete her tenure before appointing a successor.
During a press conference in Abuja over the weekend, Coordinator of Pro-Impact Initiative, Osamudiamen Isokpehi, labeled these allegations as a “calculated attempt to mislead the public and blackmail patriotic public servants for selfish interests.” He accused individuals behind the controversy of being overly ambitious regarding the AGF position.
Isokpehi expressed concern over what he termed a “sponsored report” aimed at discrediting both Madein and Walson-Jack. He criticised the reliance on anonymous sources in these reports, asserting that such practices indicate a lack of credibility. “Those who claim to speak the truth should not hide behind anonymity,” he stated. “The article is filled with grave allegations against the civil service and by extension, the President. Such distortions cannot go unchallenged.”
Addressing claims that Madein and Walson-Jack violated Public Service Rules (PSR), Isokpehi clarified that the PSR does not require mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave as suggested in recent reports.
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He explained, “The rule states that officers should give a three-month notice before retirement, during which they attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar and use the remaining time for administrative preparations. It is not mandatory for officers to proceed on pre-retirement leave.”
He cited past examples, including former Head of Service Stephen Oronsaye and Folasade Yemi-Esan, who did not take such leave when transitioning.
The group praised President Tinubu’s decision to allow Madein to complete her tenure as AGF, emphasising its alignment with civil service protocols and national interest. “The President is well-informed and experienced in navigating governance complexities,” Isokpehi noted. “As a two-term governor of Lagos State and seasoned administrator, he has demonstrated adherence to established protocols.”
Contrary to claims of unrest within the AGF’s office, Isokpehi assured that operations are running smoothly under Madein’s leadership. “There is no panic or anxiety among staff at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Work is progressing seamlessly, with employees carrying out their duties joyfully,” he affirmed.
The Pro-Impact Initiative called on critics to refrain from exploiting civil service rules for personal gain and urged Nigerians to reject attempts to politicize public officers’ tenures. “Let us focus on strengthening our institutions rather than undermining them with baseless attacks,” Isokpehi concluded.
