The Nigeria Women Professional Alliance (NWPA) has expressed strong support for the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, urging her to stay focused on her duties despite alleged attempts to prematurely end her tenure, which is scheduled to conclude in March 2025.
The civil society group emphasized that Madein has not violated any laws and should be allowed to carry out her role without distraction. NWPA denounced what they described as relentless efforts to remove the AGF from office, labeling these actions as dubious.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in ensuring that Madein remains in office until the completion of her tenure, the group praised the president’s leadership, calling it an example of quality statesmanship.
During an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, NWPA Spokesperson Christine Ezekwe responded to media reports suggesting that Mrs. Madein was refusing to proceed on terminal leave, clarifying that terminal leave is optional under the law. She also addressed allegations of victimization against a director in the AGF’s office who had been reassigned, after an announcement of her appointment as Acting AGF was reversed.
Ezekwe criticized the notion that routine postings within the civil service could be seen as a form of persecution, particularly highlighting the reassignment of the director to a strategic institute. “Posting a director to a strategic institute where public servants are trained should not be misconstrued as a witch-hunt,” she stated.
The NWPA further called on those aspiring to take over the AGF position to exercise patience and maturity, urging them to wait until Madein’s tenure ends in March 2025 before seeking the role. They highlighted the significance of Madein’s leadership as an ambassador for Nigerian women in high-ranking positions and encouraged her to continue executing her duties with passion.
The group also defended Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, against criticism regarding her role in the appointment of an acting AGF. NWPA praised Walson-Jack for her professional advice and dedication to protecting the integrity of the civil service.
NWPA concluded by urging the public to allow Madein to focus on preparing for a smooth transition in the AGF office, ensuring that service delivery remains at the forefront as the tenure comes to an end in March 2025.