The South-West Professional Youths Network has advised the newly inaugurated President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to retain some “outstanding” officials who served in the past regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). The group made this request to Tinubu in a statement released to journalists on May 30, 2023, shortly after his inauguration at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
According to the convener of the group, Comrade Seun Adeaanu, since Tinubu’s administration and that of Buhari belong to the same party, it is fair that those who have proven themselves in the past government should remain. Comrade Adeaanu observed that government is expected to be continuous, and the easiest way Tinubu could hit the ground running is to retain some of the outstanding appointees of Buhari.
The group advised the President to disregard political jobbers already jostling for some positions, stating that Nigeria should come first when appointments are to be made. They acknowledged the excellent work done by some of the current government appointees towards ensuring the dividends of democracy are felt by Nigerians.
For instance, the group identified the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, as an outstanding appointee who has repositioned the agency for effectiveness and efficiency in its project delivery mandate. Ahmad’s strategic programmes, which include the #EnergizingEducationProgramme, “COVID-19 and BEYOND” programme, and the “Energy For All – Mass Rural Electrification” Programme have impacted the lives of Nigerians, especially at the rural level, nationwide.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Chairman, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa, is another outstanding appointee of the government identified by the group. Comrade Adeaanu observed that Marwa’s Offensive Action operation launched a few days after he became the helmsman of the anti-narcotic agency has produced results, with almost 20,000 arrests made, over 3,000 convictions recorded, and more than 5 kg of drugs seized within a year.
In summary, the South-West Professional Youths Network urged President Tinubu to recognize and retain those who have delivered on their mandates, and focus on consolidating on their achievements for the benefit of Nigerians.
