The League of Young Professional Progressives in Nigeria (LYPPN) has rejected the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation ((AGF), saying it ts a violation of integrity, transparency, and merit.
In a statement by its Deputy National Coordinator, Munkail Jalaludeen, the group expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s decision, as it clained that Ogunjimi did not emerge as the best candidate in the selection process.
‘We are deeply concerned that the long-awaited announcement of the new Accountant General has fallen short of basic integrity, transparency, equity, and credibility tests, as Ogunjimi is noted to have emerged in a distant third position in a competitive hiring exercise meant to produce the best among the other contenders’, the statement read.
Last week, President Tinubu appointed Ogunjimi as AGF after what it called a ‘rigorous selection process’. According to the statement by presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the selection followed a ‘merit-based process involving a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and an oral interview’. Onanuga also said that the appointment underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to ‘promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions’.
However, LYPPN dismissed this claim, insisting that Ogunjimi’s appointment contradicted the principles the administration claimed to uphold.
‘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 group stated.
It noted that both 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.
‘In an earlier statement issued on 12 February, 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’, the statement added.
LYPPN also recalled that controversy had surrounded Ogunjimi’s name when he was reportedly considered for the position of Head of Service in December 2023.
‘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’, the group stated.
It, therefore, called on the National Assembly, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and Nigerians to prevail on the president to review the appointment and ensure that the candidate with the highest performance in the selection process is appointed without delay.
