In a press release issued today, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in partnership with Transparency International in Nigeria, expressed profound disappointment in the recent appointment of Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
CISLAC stated that it finds it unacceptable for Mr. Enitan, the accounting officer of the ministry involved in a scandal, to be entrusted with the supervision of the same ministry. The organization argues that such an appointment compromises ongoing investigations and is perceived as an affront to the intelligence of the public.
The group emphasized that, according to existing regulations and laws, the Permanent Secretary, as the accounting officer, should have been suspended alongside the Minister during investigations. CISLAC raised concerns about the lack of evidence indicating the Permanent Secretary’s non-participation in the matters under investigation. Additionally, the organization stressed that the Permanent Secretary did not object to the events in question and should, therefore, be subjected to thorough investigation.
CISLAC expressed serious perturbation over the promotion of top officers connected to financial and procurement processes within the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, without a suspension or thorough investigation. The group fears that such promotions may hamper or sabotage the ongoing investigation.
The appointment of Enitan to head the Ministry is deemed by CISLAC as a potential undermining of the credibility and respect accorded to the current administration. The civil society organization called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reconsider the decision to appoint the Permanent Secretary and other individuals under investigation to sensitive positions, pending the conclusion of ongoing scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.
In a final plea, CISLAC called on President Tinubu to prioritize individuals with integrity, a proven track record, and a background free of corruption in future appointments. The group also urged civil society, the media, and other well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant, rejecting unjustified or secluded appointments to ensure inclusive reforms that enhance transparency and accountability in governance.