PDP governors express disappointment over allegations against FG (MUST READ)

The Presidency on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari followed due process in ordering the immediate disengagement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, from service.

The justification is coming after Nigerians questioned the legality of the president’s action.

Quoting Public Service Rules and Section 11 (1)(b)of the Interpretation Act, Cap I 23, Vol.8, LFN, 2004,), Jiti Ogunye, a lawyer, said “it is the Federal Civil Service Commission or the Permanent Secretary or Heads of Extra Ministerial Department as the case may be (to whom disciplinary powers are delegated) that have the statutory power to mete disciplinary actions, including dismissal (or sack ) to civil servants.”

He said the president lacks the power to ”sack or direct the sack of Mr. Maina.”

Reacting to the controversy however, the Presidency, on its Twitter handle, NGRPresident, insisted that ”due process was followed in ordering the sack.”

“Reports that due process was not followed in the disengagement of Mr. Maina from service are incorrect”‘ the tweet read.

“The President directed the appropriate authorities to effect the disengagement in compliance with due process.

“President Buhari will continue to ensure that due process is followed every step of the way.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had in a statement on Monday announced Mr. Maina’s disengagement.

They spoke with journalists yesterday in Abuja after a closed door meeting with the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi.

Former National Vice Chairman, PDP South-West Zone, Bode George, who spoke on behalf of the aspirants, said: “We had a very useful meeting with the NEC of the party. We agreed that we would remain civil and educate our followers because it is a family contest. It is not a matter of life and death.

“We have agreed and you can see us now holding our hands. There is no quarrel, let the best man win. That is the spirit of the party.”

In another development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on political office holders to desist from making unnecessary office appointments, especially at the time when the country is experiencing financial challenges.

Its Secretary-General, Mr. Anthony Sani, who stated this at the inauguration of the forum’s standing committees, said that politicians should concern themselves more on developmental projects.