You Can’t Sack Heads Of Government Agencies – SGF Issues Strong Warning To Ministers

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has told ministers that they can’t unilaterally remove heads of government agencies.

The SGF in his notice to the ministers in which he detailed the procedures for the removal of heads of public agencies in the country, noted that arbitrary removals can cause instability and negatively impact service deliveries.

Naija News understands the circular by the SGF to the ministers was issued on Tuesday.

The SGF in the circular which was seen by The Cable, stated emphatically that the president has approved a disciplinary procedure to be taken by ministers against erring heads of agencies and warned them to abide by the directive.

“Accordingly, Mr. President has approved the following streamlined procedure for the discipline of Chief Executive Officers of government parastatals, agencies and departments in accordance with the Public Service Rules (PSR).”

“When an act bordering on serious misconduct against a Chief Executive Officer is reported, it shall be the duty of the supervising minister through the permanent secretary to refer the matter to the governing board for necessary action in line with the relevant provisions of the Establishment Act and the principles guiding Chapters 3 and 16 of the Public Service Rules;

“The board shall in line with due process, issue him/her a query requesting an explanation with respect to the specific act(s) complained about; the board shall forward its findings and recommendations to the minister for further consideration and necessary action;

“The minister, after due consideration of the submission from the board, shall on the advice of the permanent secretary, forward the ministry’s position along with the recommendations of the Board and the explanation of the Chief Executive Officer to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for processing to Mr. President, for a decision.

“Upon receipt of the submission from the minister, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) shall without delay cause an independent investigation and advise Mr. President on the appropriate course of action.”

“This procedure shall serve as a mandatory guide and all ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and any other public officer in similar supervisory position, are enjoined to strictly abide by its content,” Mustapha said.

He added that recourse to the procedure stated in the circular must be observed before any serving head of government agency can be removed from office.

“For emphasis, on no account shall a Minister of the Federal Republic unilaterally or arbitrarily remove a serving Chief Executive Officer, without recourse to the procedure contained in this Circular.”

Meanwhile, this online news platform on Tuesday reported that the appointment of Usman Gur Mohammed, Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been terminated.

The sacking of the MD of the Transmission Company of Nigeria was contained in a statement released by Aaron Artimas, spokesman to Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman,

The statement revealed that Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz is to take over the management of the Transmission company as acting Managing Director.

It is however not clear if the SGF’s circular is related to the recent development.