*Appoints Awe, Oyo State-born Olaopa Commission’s Chairman, 11 others
By KEMI KASUMU
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, approved the appointment of a new Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) with an Awe, Oyo State-born Professor Tunji Olaopa as Chairman.
The Commission is one of 14 Federal Executive bodies into which Section 154 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, Amended), which empowers the president to appoint its Chairman and members, according to Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in a statement copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Friday.
Also appointed to serve on the Commission with Professor Olaopa are 11 other Nigerians, who will serve in the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), all of the appointments subject to confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.
This online newspaper reports that indigenes of Lagos and Ogun states, whose joint slot on the Commission was filled with Mr. Jide Jimoh, have grumbled demanding that it is not possible for a non-Lagos or non-Ogun indigene to represent them at the Federal Civil Service Commission as, according to them, the intention of the law on representation is defeated.
“Upon confirmation, the new FCSC leadership is expected to commence work with effect from November 30, 2023, following the expiration of tenure of the current Federal Civil Service Commission Chairman and membership on November 29, 2023.
“The President anticipates that the new FCSC leadership will competently facilitate the transformation, reorientation, and digitization of the Federal Bureaucracy to enable, and not stifle, growth and enhanced private sector participation in the development of the Nigerian economy, in full adherence to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” the statement said.
See the list of appointees below:
(1) Prof. Tunji Olaopa — Chairman
(2) Dr. Daudu Ibrahim Jalo — Member (Representing Adamawa | Gombe | Taraba)
(3) Ms. Gekpe Grace Isu — Member (Representing Akwa Ibom | Cross River)
(4) Dr. Chamberlain Nwele — Member (Representing Anambra | Ebonyi | Enugu)
(5) Mr. Rufus N. Godwins — Member (Representing Rivers | Delta | Bayelsa)
(6) Dr. Adamu Hussein — Member (Representing Niger | FCT)
(7) Mr. Aminu Nabegu — Member (Representing Jigawa | Kano)
(8) Ms. Hindatu Abdullahi — Member (Representing Kaduna | Katsina)
(9) Mr. Shehu Aliyu — Member (Representing Kebbi | Sokoto | Zamfara)
(10) Ms. Odekunle Rukiyat Aduke — Member (Representing Kogi | Kwara)
(11) Mr. Jide Jimoh — Member (Representing Lagos | Ogun)
(12) Dr. Festus Oyebade — Member (Representing Osun | Oyo)
Grumbling
Whereas the people of Oyo State, knowing the benefits of being constitutionally represented at the Civil Service Commission, are happy that their state has representative in Olaopa as Chairman of the Commission and indigene within the joint slot they share with Osun State, Dr. Festus Oloyede, it is not so with with Lagos and Ogun states indigenes, who are dismayed that the benefits their joint slot should accrue to indigenes of the two South West states will largely e diverted to Kwara State that is state of origin of Jide Jimoh appointed by the president.
Professor Tunji Olaopa is a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and political scientist from Awe, an Oke Ogun ancient community in Oyo State.
Appointment of Olaopa, who is well-known by his state people for his role in establishment of the Ibadan School of Governance and Public Policy (ISGPP), has been applauded by his people.
As for Jide Jimoh fondly called JJ by his political followers, it is said that a blue blood Kwara State indigene representing the people of Lagos and Ogun states, when Kwara State has its own joint slot with Kogi State to take care of the people of Kwara and Kogi states, will be counterproductive and against the intention of the law.
Details later…
