In a move that has raised concerns among analysts and experts, the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria is yet to announce the postings of the newly appointed federal permanent secretaries, despite the fact that the administration is nearing its end. With the clock ticking and the last Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled in just 24 hours, this delay is seen as an administrative flaw that could have adverse effects on national development.
The appointments of Mahmud Kambari (Borno State), Esuabana Asanye (Cross River), Lamuwa Ibrahim (Gombe), Yakubu Kofar-Mata (Kano), Oloruntola Michael (Ogun), and Richard Pheelangwah (Taraba State) as permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service were made by President Buhari on March 29th, and they were sworn in on April 26th. However, their subsequent postings have yet to be announced, causing growing concerns among analysts.
Analysts are of the opinion that the failure to promptly post the newly appointed permanent secretaries is detrimental to effective governance and national development. Permanent secretaries play a crucial role in the bureaucracy, serving as the administrative backbone of various government ministries and departments. They also blame president Buhari’s aides for this colossa administrative lapses which according to them is “a total embarrassment”. They recalled how a dead person, Chief Tobias Okwuru was appointed by President Buhari into the Federal Character Commission in 2021 a month after he had died. “Perhaps Chief Okwuru may have been nominated when he was alive but the announcement was delayed until he died and unknown to the presidency, Chief Okwuru’s (dead) was announced”. It is almost suggestive that President Buhari’s administration may be synonymous with unwarranted administrative delays.
The delay in posting the permanent secretaries can disrupt the continuity and institutional memory within the civil service. The outgoing administration will leave office in a few days, and the new administration will have to start from scratch in determining suitable placements for the appointed permanent secretaries. This lack of a seamless transition can result in a loss of valuable knowledge, institutional expertise, and the delayed implementation of important projects and initiatives.
National development and progress rely on effective governance and sound administrative practices. The timely placement of permanent secretaries is a fundamental aspect of this process. By leaving this task unresolved, the current administration risks creating a void in the civil service, impeding the government’s ability to execute its agenda efficiently.
This wanton delay in announcing the postings of the newly appointed federal permanent secretaries, despite the imminent end of the current administration, raises concerns regarding administrative efficiency and national development. The expertise and experience of these officials are vital for the smooth functioning of government ministries and departments. Failure to address this issue promptly not only disrupts the bureaucratic system but also hampers the implementation of government policies and programs. It is crucial for the incoming administration to address this administrative flaw to ensure a seamless transition and promote effective governance for the betterment of the nation.
Aliyu Ahmed Writes From Makurdi, Benue State in Nigeria
