Appointment Of Ogunjimi As AGF, Failed Integrity, Credibility Tests – LYPPN Says
The League of Young Professional Progressives in Nigeria (LYPPN) has expressed deep concerns that the long-awaited announcement and appointment of the new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), fell short of basic integrity, transparency, equity, and credibility tests.
It therefore kicked against the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation as a result of the violation of the transparency, integrity, and merit tests.
The LYPPN specifically expressed disappointment on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision in appointing Ogunjimi, who did not in any way emerge as the best candidate during the selection process.
These were contained in a statement by Munkail Jalaludeen, Deputy National Coordinator of LYPPN, saying that Ogunjimi emerged a distant third position in a competitive hiring exercise meant to produce the best among the other contenders.
The LYPPN noted that the presidency announced Ogunjimi’s appointment on March 4, 2024, claiming that his selection followed a rigorous, merit-based process involving a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and an oral interview, adding that the appointment underscored Tinubu’s commitment to “promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions.”
However, LYPPN dismissed the claim by the Presidency, stressing that Ogunjimi’s appointment as AGF contradicted the very principles the administration claimed to uphold.
LYPPN said; “It is therefore embarrassing and of particular interest to our group that Ogunjimi, in spite of having made a distant and woeful third position, was announced ahead of the other finalists, even as his previous records in service did not show that he has had a distinguished career, having been found to be involved in an alleged N2 billion police payroll fraud”.
The LYPPN further said that the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, had previously assured Nigerians that the selection process would be based on merit, professionalism, and integrity.
It said; “In an earlier statement issued on February 12, the Head of Service assured that the rigorous selection reflects the dedication to appointing the most capable professionals who will uphold the highest standards of integrity and efficiency”.
It noted that controversy had surrounded Ogunjimi’s name when he was reportedly considered for the position of Head of Service in December 2023.
LYPPN further said; “We are aware that Ogunjimi’s moral burden may have informed the controversies that emerged when he was first named to succeed the outgoing Head of Service of the Federation.
“His appointment as Accountant General now ridicules the distinguished and exalted office where a high sense of integrity is expected,” it stressed.
LYPPN therefore, called on the National Assembly, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and Nigerians to prevail on President Tinubu to review the appointment and ensure that the candidate with the highest performance in the selection process is appointed without delay just like he did with the appointments of Vice Chancellors of some universities.
