A socio-political activist, Mr Ibrahim Bashir has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to politicise the running of sensitive government agencies.
He said this while reacting to the appointment of Baffa Agundi as the new Director General of the National Productivity Center, NPC.
NewsNow recalls that President Tinubu last week appointed Agundi as the new Director-General of the NPC.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity noted that Mr Dan Agundi is a former majority leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, as well as former Principal Registrar of the Kano State High Court of Justice.
However, Ibrahim told journalists on Tuesday that the President was ill-advised in making the leadership change at the NPC.
According to him, the agency had been thriving on the service experiences of Dr Raji Mustapha as the Director General, stressing that it would be a disservice to the nation to start trying someone from the outside.
He said the NPC was long known for promoting individuals from within its ranks, based on merit, professional qualifications and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission.
While recalling that Mustapha joined the NPC as an assistant productivity officer three decades ago and ascended to the role of DG in May 2023, he said such a person should not be replaced with someone from outside the organisation.
He said, “Without any prejudice against Baffa Agundi, I must have to say that it would do the nation a great disservice to politicize this all-important agency.
“I think it’s important to consider specialization and expertise before making some appointments. Everything should not be based on political considerations.
“The NPC has maintained the tradition of getting a successor from the inside and this has helped to stabilize the agency for the past years.
“This unbroken record led to the appointment of Dr Mustapha last year and he has performed optimally.
“We urge Mr President to listen to several other persons and groups who share this same view. The appointment should be rescinded in the interest of the nation.
“Bringing on board someone who lacks the necessary professional experience and understanding of productivity management will undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the NPC.
“NPC is very strategic in its role of advancing productivity across both private and public sectors in Nigeria, especially this time that the nation is facing multifarious challenges.”
Ibrahim appealed to President Tinubu to ignore those who are bent on politicising every single appointment for their selfish gains.