Northern Youth Group Accuses Works Minister of Mismanagement and Bias
By Aluta News
May 27, 2024
The Amalgamated Forum of Northern Youth, a pressure group with representation across the northern states, has leveled serious allegations against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Yakubu Kofarmata. The group claims that the duo is running the ministry without adhering to due process and is sidelining senior staffers from the north and South West.
In a statement issued by its leader, Bala Musa, the group alleged that the minister and permanent secretary are treating the ministry like a private company, disregarding established laws and regulations. The group further accused the permanent secretary of deliberately frustrating senior staff from the north and those of Yoruba origin, viewing them as a threat.
According to the group, there are credible evidence to suggest that the minister transferred directors who insisted on following the laws guiding government offices. The affected directors and deputy directors were reportedly penalized for advocating for due process and transparency in the ministry’s operations.
The group has called for an investigation into the allegations, seeking accountability and fairness in the management of the ministry.
According to the group, directors and deputy directors who adhere to civil service guidelines are being punished. Those who insist on following the rules have been either transferred out of the ministry or marginalized.
Specifically, the directors of Construction and Rehabilitation (C&R), Procurement, and Audit/Checking, known for their commitment to procedure, were forcibly posted out. The group alleges that the Director of C&R was replaced by a junior staff member lacking competence, causing the department’s work to suffer. As a result, numerous files remain unattended, and contractors are being extorted for payments.
the alleged that contractors pay bribes to have their files processed, and even then, they are still required to give kickbacks at the point of payment. The ministry’s operations are described as “dead” due to the deliberate disregard for due process.
The group claims that senior staff are dissatisfied but fearful of speaking out against the maladministration, risking victimization. They possess evidence pointing to a deliberate plot to silence senior staff who insist on following the rules.