Six weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment of former House of Representatives member Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), the Adamawa State politician has yet to receive the formal appointment letter required to assume office.
The delay has sparked controversy within the agency, prompting Namdas’ Chamba community to appeal directly to the President to intervene. Tinubu announced the appointment on June 26, naming Namdas as replacement for Dr Dakorinama Alabo George, who resigned to pursue political ambitions in Rivers State. The presidency stated the appointment was effective immediately.
Despite the directive, Namdas remains unable to take charge. Sources indicate that other appointees announced alongside him have received their letters and commenced duties, while George continues to perform official functions. A SaharaReporters publication on July 20 cited sources describing a leadership tussle created by the vacuum.
The development has drawn scrutiny to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, which processes federal appointment letters. Sources allege Akume may be under pressure from political interests opposed to Namdas’ assumption, particularly allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. George is widely regarded as a Wike ally; he previously stepped down from the Rivers State governorship race on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, paving the way for Kingsley Chinda, considered Wike’s preferred candidate.
There is no public evidence linking Akume or Wike directly to the delay, and neither official has claimed responsibility for withholding the letter. However, the standoff has raised questions about whether bureaucratic or political interests can stall a presidential appointment after public approval.
Addressing journalists in Yola on Tuesday, community representatives led by Muhammad Garba Laweso urged Tinubu to direct the SGF to release the letter immediately. The group argued that allowing Namdas to assume office would affirm the binding nature of presidential decisions on government institutions. They also highlighted the political implications ahead of the 2027 general Elections, stating that confirming the appointment would strengthen support for Tinubu in Adamawa State and demonstrate commitment to due process.
The controversy has attracted wider political commentary. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the situation as part of a growing pattern of administrative confusion in the Tinubu administration, suggesting presidential pronouncements are not receiving expected levels of implementation.
The presidency has not announced any reversal of Namdas’ appointment. As the impasse continues, stakeholders await a resolution that will either install the new Director-General or clarify the status of the agency’s leadership.
