Following the inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th president of Nigeria, new appointments are expected to be made. The implication of this is that many MDs and CEOs will be relieved of their jobs. Though in some cases, this is the standard practice.
Politics Nigeria in this report, takes a look at some outstanding appointees of former President Muhammadu Buhari that the current administration should not sacrifice on the altar of politics.
According to some Nigerians this news outlet interacted with, these appointees have performed excellently and deserved to continue with their jobs.
The appointees include:
1. Engr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad (MD/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency)
Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the managing director/chief executive officer (CEO) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is a Buhari appointee that will add value to the Tinubu’s administration.
The REA boss was a former Level 12 public official at the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) before venturing into private practice in the power sector.
The graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with Masters Degrees in Development Studies and Project Planning has piloted the affairs of REA in delivering on its mandates to electrify unserved and underserved communities to improve quality of life for Nigerians.
REA under his stewardship has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in a bid to power the majority of rural dwellers in Nigeria.
2. Col Hameed Ali (Nigeria Customs comptroller)
Another Buhari appointee that should be retained by President Tinubu is Col Hameed Ali. He was appointed Comptroller-General of Customs on 27th August, 2015, with the 3 ‘R’ – Mandate to Reform, Restructure and Raise Revenue profile of the Service.
As a Customs Officer, Col. Ali has taken the message of collaboration to all Stakeholders which include: Partner Government Agencies, Organised Private Sector, Importers, Customs Brokers among others.
Since his assumption of duties, he has also shown that Service commitment to International Organizations such as World Customs Organizations (WCO), World Trade Organizations (WTO), ECOWAS, and other International Agencies under the United Nations shall continue to be respected and strengthened.
3. Olukayode Pitan (Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bank of Industry)
Olukayode Pitan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry Ltd, Nigeria’s oldest and largest development finance institution, is another Buhari appointee that should be retained by the Tinubu administration.
Under his leadership, BOI has consistently delivered on its mandate to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing long-term financing and counter-cyclical loans diversified across industries, such as agro-processing, gender businesses and renewable energy among others.
BOI, under the watch of Olukayode Pitan, has promoted financial inclusion by supporting the expansion of over three million enterprises, thereby creating over seven million jobs.
4. Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd) (Presidential Amnesty Programme – coordinator)
The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd), is another Buhari appointee that the Tinubu administration should retain.
The PAP boss has made giant stride by repositioning the programme. It has recorded some degree of success in education and skills acquisition.
He has ensured the blockage of all loopholes.
5. Maj-Gen Buba Marwa (retd) (Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency)
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) is another Buhari apointee who should be retained by the Tinubu administration.
He has made life difficult for drug barons and cartels.
6. Prince Paul Ikonne ( Executive Secretary/Chief Executive National Agricultural Land Development Authority).
Prince Paul Ikonne, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is another appointee that Tinubu needs to retain.
Under his leadership, over 50,000 youths have been empowered through NALDA numerous programmes designed to groom young Nigerians.
