Nigeria's Presidency questioned over disputed agency appointment

Nigeria's Presidency faces scrutiny over the handling of a recent appointment, raising questions about transparency and process. Abdulrazaq Namdas was announced as the new Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) on June 26, replacing Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, who had resigned to pursue electoral ambitions.

The appointment statement, signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, indicated the appointment took immediate effect. This followed a presidential directive for public officers seeking elective office in 2027 to resign by March 31. Several officials complied, including ministers and agency heads.

However, reports suggest a confusing turn of events when Namdas, along with other appointees Patrick Obahiagbon and Chukwuma Umeoji, visited the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to collect their letters. While Obahiagbon and Umeoji reportedly received theirs, Namdas was allegedly told to wait and later asked to "go away" after a two-hour wait.

Adding to the confusion, Dr. George, who lost his bid for the Rivers APC ticket, has since reappeared at the BCDA and resumed his former position. This has occurred without any official statement from the Presidency clarifying the status of Namdas's appointment or its cancellation, leaving agency staff and observers questioning the situation.