Group rallies support for AGF amid calls for removal

Nigeria Women Professional Alliance (NWPA), a civil society group, has called on the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to remain steadfast in her duties despite alleged moves to remove her from office before her tenure expires in March 2025.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NWPA’s spokesperson, Mrs. Christine Ezekwe, decried what she termed “relentless efforts to dubiously remove the AGF from office.” She applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring that Mrs. Madein remains in office until her tenure ends, describing the decision as a demonstration of statesmanship and quality leadership.

Mrs. Ezekwe dismissed media reports suggesting that Mrs. Madein was refusing to proceed on terminal leave, which she emphasized is optional under the law. She also refuted allegations of victimization against a Director in the Office of the Accountant General, Mr. Shamselden Babatunde Ogunjimi, who was reassigned to a training institute after an initial announcement as Acting AGF was reversed.

“When has routine posting become a crime?” Mrs. Ezekwe asked. “Posting a Director to a strategic institute where public servants are trained and molded into professional bureaucrats should not be misconstrued as a witch-hunt. Mr. Ogunjimi was given an assigned responsibility to contribute to the system and groom civil servants for effective service delivery.”

The group urged those aspiring to occupy the AGF position to exercise patience until Mrs. Madein’s tenure ends in three months. “Those longing to occupy her position as their lifetime dream should show a strong sense of maturity by waiting patiently for her to exit before they take over, if appointed,” Mrs. Ezekwe said.

NWPA emphasized the importance of Mrs. Madein’s role as an ambassador of Nigerian women in leadership and urged her to continue executing her duties passionately, aligning with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for Nigerians.

The group also defended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, against what they described as unjustified criticism. “She acted in bold faith to protect the service and the rules governing it by providing professional advice on the appointment of an Acting Accountant General,” Mrs. Ezekwe stated.

NWPA issued a stern warning against further malicious attacks on Mrs. Madein in the media, urging detractors to allow her to concentrate on her job, especially as she prepares the office for a smooth transition.

As March 2025 approaches, the group’s message is clear: the focus should remain on service delivery and adherence to due process, ensuring stability and professionalism in the nation’s public service.