Almost one month after the newly revised Public Service Rules became operational, about 10 Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) directors, who have spent over eight years in office, have refused to proceed on mandatory retirement.
Truetells Nigeria learnt that the new rule was expected to affect over 500 directors who have remained stagnant for eight years or more.
The new rules also introduced a tenure policy for permanent secretaries, now required to spend four years in office, which is renewable and subject to performance.
The directors, who have shunned the FG’s directives, were said to have spent between nine and 12 years on the directorate cadre and were required to turn in their retirement letter in compliance with the PSR, which took effect from July 27, 2023.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, had, in a memo dated July 27, addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, ordered strict compliance with the revised rules.
According to Punch, an official at the FCTA said the Director of Human Resource Management, Bashir Muhammad, and his counterpart at the Christian Pilgrimage Board, Dabara Vingo and others who were affected by the rule are yet to vacate office almost a month after the directive became operational.
Muhammad is said to have recently requested a three-month tenure extension from the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, but it has not been granted, and it is hoped that the new FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, would intervene in the issue.
The official stated, “No fewer than 10 directors who have spent between nine and 12 years in office have refused to vacate office or retire as stipulated by the revised PSR. In fact, the Director of Human Resource Management has just asked the permanent secretary for three months’ extension in office.
“Though the request has not been granted, everyone in FCTA is worried by the refusal of the concerned officials to comply with the rules. We are hoping the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike would intervene speedily.”
However, the FCTA Director of Press, Muhammed Sule, explained that the concerned officials had been directed to retire via a circular.
A Federal Ministry of Health source confirmed that all the directors affected by the tenure policy have retired as directed by the Head of Service.
The source said, “For instance, the Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh has left; the Director of Family Health, Dr Boladale Alonge has gone, and many others. The ones I know personally that have retired are about seven.”
