The Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to give reasons for the sudden dismissal of the heads of 21 government agencies under him.
Rafsanjani during an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday, stated that Mr Wike’s thorough explanation on the reasons behind the sudden dismissal will maintain public trust and uphold transparency in governance.
“If FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike indeed decided to dismiss the heads of 21 agencies solely because their tenures had expired, then his actions can be deemed both constitutional and morally justifiable,” Rafsanjani said.
He however emphasized the importance of respecting institutional continuity and the significance of tenure in public service, while stating the possibility of ulterior motives behind Wike’s decision.
“If Minister Wike’s decision to sack the heads of 21 agencies was solely based on the expiration of their tenures, then it can be considered both constitutional and ethically justifiable.
“However, if it is discovered that Wike acted out of self-interest or to appoint individuals who are aligned with his political agenda, then his actions would be considered inappropriate and unfair,” he warned.
According to him, the former Rivers State Governor must explain the reason behind the mass sacking, as that will address the public outcry and ensure transparency.
“It is essential for Governor Wike to transparently communicate his reasons for the mass sacking to the Nigerian public.
“Providing a comprehensive explanation will help to address concerns and ensure accountability in the decision-making process,” he said.
He however cautioned against making blanket judgments about the dismissed officials, noting that they can not all fall under the same category.
“While it may be argued that some individuals were ineffective or corrupt, it is unreasonable to assume that every single one of them fell under this category,” Rafsanjani added.
