Mr. Yushau Shuaib, former spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency, was even referred to by the government as "Assistant Chief Information Officer," despite the fact that in 2012, he was promoted to Chief Information Officer.
Mr. Shuaib published an article, titled "Still on Okonjo-Iweala over Controversial Appointments," in Premium Times, where he alleged that the Minister of Finanse was biased when making some appointments.
The artice was published in March, 2013, also urged Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala "to ensure that appointments into important positions should be done in credible and transparent manners that can withstand public scrutiny."
It was gathered that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala personally called Mr. Shuaib to say he accused her wrongly. Furthermore, she asked the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, to "discipline" Mr Shuaib.
Thus, the author was dismissed from NEMA, and his salary was suspended.
In a Wedenesday, October 9, letter Mr. Shuaib stated he was relieved from his duties under the guise of "retirement".
He said, on Thursday October 3, 2013, he received a letter of retirement from the Federal Civil Service, dated June 20, 2013, and saying he was retired for "criticising a public officer".
Mr. Shuaib said that he consulted with his family, and decided to accept the disengagement from the civil service effective today (October 9, 2013).
"I had made up my mind about the civil service that I had served diligently and professionally without allowing myself to be influenced or intimidated by anyone," Mr. Shuaib stated.
"I had been summoned, issued letters of queries and confronted with verbal threats in the vain hope that I would retract the write-up and tender an apology. Of course, I stood my grounds in the same way that I had politely declined the minister’s request during the telephone conversation."
Mr. Shuaib was hired by the federal civil service in 1993, and has since won multiple awards for his brilliance and dedication to service.
He served in Federal Ministries of Information, Finance, Health, National Assembly, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), National Press Centre and finally National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as either Press Secretary or Head of Public Relations.
He is one of the most published on public affairs in Nigeria, explaining government polices.
Information Minister Labaran Maku Maku, through his spokesperson, Joseph Mutah, said: "The Honourable Minister of Finance didn't authorise the redeployment, and doesn't have to do so. Such matters are within the purview of the Public Communication and Human Resources Departments."
Read the controversial article below:
Still on Okonjo-Iweala over Controversial Appointments, By Yushau ShuaibClick to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
March 6, 2013
I still wonder how the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is in the eye of the storm. Her grandiose title is not a mere tautology as some people will assume. Being the first holder of that title in Nigeria’s history, her position could be seen as equivalent to that of a Prime Minister, which gave her the mandate to oversee and superintend over every other ministry, department and agency of government including their budgetary allocations and revenue expenditures. She is invariably the next most powerful cabinet member after President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo.
In the last ten years, this writer is one of her ardent admirers who is impressed by her academic accomplishments and enviable working experiences on the international scene including her contributions to Nigeria’s economic development after her appointment as the first female Finance Minister and later first female Foreign Affairs Minister by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and 2006. Though she left the administration unceremoniously over personal issues, her tenure then was a success story.
One of the major reasons some of us believe strongly in the ability of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala was the way and manner she carried major players both from the North and the South along while she was Minister of Finance between 2003 and 2006. She was never accused of discrimination or bias against any of the diverse groups of the ethnically charged and religiously polarized nation. The same will be said of her then principal, Olusegun Obasanjo who, despite some of his shortcomings will never be accused of tribalism. He is a detribalized leader and a nationalist to the core who believes strongly in the Nigerian project.
The choice of her nominees into top public appointments and even the composition of her associates cut across every segment of Nigeria including those in her Economic Team like Nasir Elrufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Bode Agusto, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar and Chukwuma Soludo among others.
Her achievements too were glaring. We recall that in 2005 she led Nigeria to striking a deal with the Paris Club, a group of bilateral creditors, to pay a portion of Nigeria’s external debt amounting US $12 billion in return for an $18 billion debt write-off.
She ensured transparency in monthly federation account allocation by the introduction of monthly publication of the disbursements in selected media. She was instrumental to helping Nigeria obtain its first ever sovereign credit rating (of BB minus) from an international ratings agency. Even when she left the government in 2006, her nongovernmental organisation, NOI Global Consulting, partnered with the Gallup Organization to introduce what may be described as the first credible opinion poll, the NOI poll, into the Nigerian polity.
With these at the background, it was not surprising that when she were reappointed by President Jonathan as Finance Minister and when she was shortlisted for the post of President of the World Bank in 2012, she received overwhelming support from all Nigerians. An online publication even claimed that some Northern Mallams were praying for her success in the mosques. Everyone at that period believed that she was a detribalized Nigerian with real-world experience of policy-making.
The reason for writing this write-up is to alert her to some disturbing trends as regards some recent appointments into top public offices in Nigeria in view of their economic and political implications. As the most powerful minister and an Igbo Princess from the Niger Delta by virtue of being a daughter of Obi of Ogwashi-Uku community in Delta State, I believe she should continue to live above board.
Recently the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) made some disturbing allegations of ethnic cleansing of Yoruba in federal appointments by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The wife of the sage, Chief HID Awolowo and the retired Bishop of Akure, Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, in Ikenne Ogun State after the meeting of the forum accused the administration of systematically excluding the Yoruba nation from the federation in terms of appointments without justification. They called on the government to redress the “systematic discrimination” against the Yoruba nationality in federal appointive positions without delay, saying that the Yoruba have been getting “crumbs” from the administration.
No sooner than the Yoruba allegation was made that the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) also publicly lamented gaping marginalization against the North over appointments and promotions in the military. According to these distinguished Nigerians, there are lopsidedness in employment and postings in the Nigerian Army in favour of the Igbos, which is clearly in the breach of the principle of Federal Character.
She should be aware that many Nigerians are referring to a book, ‘Chinua Achebe Teacher of Light’ which she co-authored where she expressed bitterness about how her tribe was dealt with before, during and after the civil war and insinuating that now that she is in authority, she is determined to correct all that she perceived as injustice against her people. Some even insist that what she is doing now is promoting regional and ethnic agenda to the detriment of other groupings in Nigeria by manipulating appointments.
To drive the point home, her name has been lately mentioned as collaborating with another Igbo top ranking appointee in government to ensure the reinstallation of Arunma Oteh as Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) despite the glaring allegations against her and consistent calls by the National Assembly for her removal. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala stood her ground, damning all and today, Ms. Oteh remains in the position.
While the debate on Ms. Oteh’s saga was yet to subside, a coalition of youths, led by human rights activist and President of Civil Rights Congress, Shehu Sani, queried the rationale behind the appointment of a new Chairman for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) when a northerner, Kabir Mashi, was already in the position and improving the revenue base of the agency, especially VAT collection for the Federation Account. Under Mashi FIRS has continued to record steady increases in the collection of taxes that it closed the 2012 financial year with a total collection of N5 trillion where N1.8 trillion (36.07 per cent) came from non-oil taxes.
The group claimed that the committee that Okonjo-Iweala set up was a smokescreen just to give a semblance of due process and fairness whereas it was populated mainly by her Igbo kinsmen. They added that “We don’t believe there is transparency in the process, and we caution the President against the excessive ceding of his own power to the finance minister.”
They publicly criticized her of playing an ethnic game with many of the appointments made in the country since she returned to the saddle. Some of the other positions, they alleged, which were created and filled during this period include those of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and even the recent appointment of a 40 year old lady as Director General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
People are wondering at the coincidence of only Igbos beating every other person at competitive interviews conducted by her nominated international consulting groups. The only semblance of federal character principle in some of those institutions is the appointment of ceremonious but temporary chairmen who are merely figure-heads, with mandates for mere advisory roles.
The use of catchy phrases such as “best brains,” “foreign trained,” and “foreign-based” to deprived qualified, competent and experienced Nigerians to aspire to top positions is quite inimical to the progress of our nation. The erroneous impression that some competitive and sensitive positions can only be filled by unique intelligent tribes must be corrected.
Experiences have shown that in practical situations, some so-called foreign trained and bookish first class graduates could not do better than other Nigerians who have the competence and experience to prove their worth in most difficulty terrains.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala should also note that blatant disregard to the sensitivities and sensibilities of others while arrogantly promoting only people from her tribe may expose them to hatred with potentially explosive consequences such as those experienced in the 1960s when most federal positions were occupied by a particular tribal group.
For those of us who still respect the Hon Minister of Finance and Economic Development, we strongly believe she should dissociate herself from current allegations of ‘biafranization’ of top public offices in Nigeria. We are in a democratic government where policy issues should not be done in dictatorial manner of ‘we-are-now-in-power’.
I therefore urge her to ensure that appointments into important positions should be done in credible and transparent manners that can withstand public scrutiny. I believe strongly that only those that mean well will dare to tell the truth on the general feeling in the country.
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where is Nigeria now heading to? Only God can help us in this country.
ReplyDeleteThank God that there is going to be a national conference in Nigeria. Well Done Mr. President. It is the only way Nigerians can decide how this country will move forward. The point is that every one is going to the centre for the national cake even when the cakes in their back yards are spoiling and growing mould.
ReplyDeleteKudos to FG decision to sack the hoodlum that does not respect the constituted authority , biting the finger that feeds him. At least some basket mouth that are currently insulting the President and his cabinate should be ready to face their turn of sack bastards.
ReplyDeleteMy believe is that the National Conference is to streamline some issues in Nigeria and not to disintegrate the Country. I do not know why most people call for division in this Country. Apart from the oil, whatelse are we going to benefit from this eniment separation. Well, I would like to make it very clear that no part of this Country will loose anything. The only thing, is that there may be huge set backs from the begining, after a while all the sides will get back to feet. So, in my opinion, people sit down or stand up and think of a better way to make this Country work for the good of all.
ReplyDeleteIt is now the right time for this geographical entity refereed to as Nigeria to separate. The fool is crying just for GEJ's first tenure and had forgotten that his brothers had ruled Nigeria for over thirty years and plunged us into this economic debacle with their sectional appointments.Okonjo, please go ahead with your beautiful reform policies for the good of the country. God will help you with the wisdom to correct their messes. To your tents oh Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteif u dia allow an Igbo man or lady to rule dis country,no any other tribe wl get anything, i can asure u of dat. They d igbos only tink of themselves. Na FFK b dia medicine.
ReplyDeleteNo! @ above writer anonymous 9:50 am, there is no need thinking of any better way to make the country work for the good of all. disintegration is just the very best thing for this country at the moment. what fun are catching out of the whole massacre and blood shed by Islamic terrorist? the politicians are just looting our treasury, no employment for graduates, the boko haram say they must Islamize Nigeria at all cost! I am very fine with my Christian faith, thanks for the offer though. we are too diverse, too different in our ways, too religious(most are extremist), and culturally different. I don't see anything wrong in disintegrating the country, every smaller country will pick up it's bits and pieces and start up from somewhere. I welcome the breakup with my whole heart!
ReplyDeleteNo, Nigeria should not disintegrate o.
ReplyDeleteThe guy is aware of the extant rule in the civil service that's why he can't challenge the decision. There are rules and regulations and code of conduct of civil servants which he signed himself. It is not a secret. Civil servants are insulated from this kind of political write-ups in the course of their work. He knows he's certainly not a hero he's trying to portray himself. Good riddance.
ReplyDeleteif thats is the best solution lets do bcs killings evry here and there is too much if we disintegrating evrybody will face his or her own busines na northern dey spoil this country they head everywhere....dont let us abuse and condem GEJ bcs the problm we are facing is not today it started from our four fathers i heard the story that when they want to creat this country they say they u cut all those northerners from nigeria so that they they we creat there own country but our leaders then disagree now we are blaming everybody what we are suffering for today is caused by our past old leaders in 80s
ReplyDeleteI think Mr shu'bu should seek redress in a court of law since they have stated there reason for his termination , and their is no any place in his write-up that's indicates what they are accusing him of . How can she do that under OBJ when he hired her for a purpose and discard her after using her.
ReplyDeleteYUSHAIB SHUAIB: ANOTHER PACK OF LIES AGAINST
ReplyDeleteOKONJO-IWEALA
It will be recalled that two weeks ago,
Saharareporters published a story which alleged that the Coordinating Minister
called the Publisher of THISDAY to demand the sack of one of his editors over a
story which she did not like.
As the Publisher confirmed later, the
Minister made no such call and made no such demand.
Now, as part of the same campaign to tarnish
the image of the Minister, reports are being circulated that she ordered the
Federal Ministry of Information to effect the retirement of Mr Shuaib Yushau,
former head of information at the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency.
Like the first story there is no truth in
the allegation.
It is public knowledge that Mr Shuaib, a
civil servant, wrote an opinion article in which he made false and libelous
allegations against the Minister for which he refused to apologise.
He was subsequently taken before a
disciplinary panel by his home ministry, the Federal Ministry of Information.
The Coordinating Minister did not influence
the process in any way. His recent sack is on account of additional actions
which Mr Shuaib should be bold enough to disclose. The Minister was not the
issue.
As the Information Ministry
stated in April when he was initially redeployed: “The
Honourable Minister of Finance didn’t authorise the redeployment and doesn’t
have to do so. Such matters are within the purview of the Public Communication
and Human Resources Departments”.
Paul C Nwabuikwu
Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance
Disintegration might be d answer. Yorubas are truly marginalized even when we are d only detribalized tribe in Nigeria. We are known to put d right man for d right job.
ReplyDeleteI support we go our Seperate ways so everyone will smile with no problems
Hausa are fools. Mr. sacked element, you are a biggest fool I have seen. You don't have a basis for your write up. Since I was born Hausa / foolanis have been in the center piece of this country. Just under 4 years every dick and harry in the northern hemisphere is crying for no cause. Why? Born to rule mentality animals. Never you under this planet to point your northern leprosy finger to NOI or GEJ. You are an empty vessel. Fool.
ReplyDeletethose of u insulting hausas must be funny.Time will tell.idle minds
ReplyDeleteAll power belongs to God.keep sacking.God will do the final sacking to you people.Okonjo you try ooo
ReplyDelete