The Nigeria Women Professional Alliance (NWPA) has rallied in support of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, urging her to remain steadfast amid alleged moves to remove her from office before her tenure ends in March 2025.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NWPA spokesperson Mrs. Christine Ezekwe condemned what she described as “relentless efforts to dubiously remove the AGF from office.” She praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring Mrs. Madein’s continued tenure, citing it as an act of “statesmanship and quality leadership.”
Mrs. Ezekwe dismissed reports suggesting that Mrs. Madein refused to proceed on terminal leave, clarifying that such leave is optional under the law. She also addressed allegations of victimization against Mr. Shamselden Babatunde Ogunjimi, a Director in the Office of the Accountant-General, who was reassigned to a training institute after an initial announcement of his appointment as Acting AGF was reversed.
“When has routine posting become a crime?” Mrs. Ezekwe asked. “Assigning a Director to a strategic institute where public servants are trained and molded into professional bureaucrats should not be misconstrued as a witch-hunt. Mr. Ogunjimi was given a vital role to groom civil servants for effective service delivery.”
The NWPA called for patience among those aspiring to the AGF position, urging them to wait until Mrs. Madein completes her tenure. “Those longing to occupy her position should show maturity by waiting for her exit in March 2025 before taking over, if appointed,” Ezekwe said.
Highlighting Mrs. Madein’s contributions as a symbol of women’s leadership, the group encouraged her to maintain her commitment to President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for Nigerians.
The NWPA also defended Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, against criticism. “She acted boldly and professionally by providing sound advice on the appointment of an Acting Accountant-General,” Ezekwe noted.
The group warned against further media attacks on Mrs. Madein, urging detractors to allow her to focus on her duties and prepare the office for a smooth transition.
As the nation awaits the conclusion of Mrs. Madein’s tenure in March 2025, the NWPA emphasized the importance of service delivery, adherence to due process, and maintaining professionalism within the public service.
