Chuks Akunna

the power vacuum caused by the political transition to “play games.”.

He said, “You should realize that with the knowledge that an outgoing administration may not have the presence of mind to follow up on certain appointments, it is not difficult for some ministry officials to seize the opportunity to plant their leg men.”

THISDAY checks revealed that, apparently realizing the confusion caused by the parallel appointments, an embarrassed SGF swiftly wrote the outgoing minister of Labour and Productivity. In the letter, Anyim drew the minister’s attention to the appointment of Robert by President Jonathan as the only valid appointment.

In the letter with Reference number SGF/6/S11/V1, the then SGF asked the Minister to refer to “my earlier appointment letter on Mr. President’s approval of Dr. Faith Owabhel Robert as Director-General, National Productivity Centre on the 19th May, 2015, vide the attached appointment letter dated 15th May, 2015.”

THISDAY investigations revealed that the minister and the permamnet secretary may have failed to act on Anyim’s letter.

Contacted, the permanent secretary told THISDAY that ‘’I am not aware of any letter from anybody from the office of the SGF on the subject matter. The only letter in my custody is the one by the minister, and I acted on that one.”

Shortly after the controversial appointments, perrmanent secretary Illoh reportedly jetted out to Geneva to attend a convention of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Akor, THISDAY checks revealed, also attended the conference.

Upon their return to Nigeria, the permanent secretary issued a press release stating the ministry’s position on the leadership crisis at the Centre.

The “public notice” authored by the permanent secretary read, “This is to inform the general public that a new DirectorGeneral has been appointed for the National Productivity Centre. He is Alhaji Yinusa Akor, BSc. PGDAP, MPA.

“His appointment took effect from 19th May, 2015. The appointment was conveyed by the Hon. Minister of Labour and Productivity, Sen. Danladi Ikenya, through a letter Reference number HMO/LAB/114, dated.19th May, 2015,” wrote Illoh.

Speaking with THISDAY on the telephone, Illoh defended his position, saying media reports on the leadership crisis in the Centre warranted the “publiic notice.”

Illoh admitted that he and Akor traveled to Geneva and are related by marriage, but