About 10 directors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration who have spent more than eight years in office have failed to proceed with compulsory retirement almost one month after the newly revised Public Service Rules became operational.
The directors had served in the directorate cadre for between 9 and 12 years and were expected to retire by the Public Service Rules (PSR) which came into effect on July 27, 2023.
Reports have it that the new rule, which came into effect on July 27, 2023, is expected to affect over 500 directors who have spent more than 8 years in their current positions.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, has ordered strict compliance with the revised rules in a memo dated July 27, addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments.
The new rules also introduced a new tenure policy for permanent secretaries, who are now required to serve a four-year term that can be renewed based on performance.
According to reports, the Director of Human Resource Management, Bashir Muhammad, and his counterpart at the Christian Pilgrimage Board, Dabara Vingo, have not yet vacated office. This is almost a month after the directive became operational.
It has been learned that Bashir Muhammad recently requested a three-month extension of his tenure from the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola.
An official stated, ‘’No fewer than 10 directors who have spent between nine and 12 years in office have refused to vacate office or retire as stipulated by the revised PSR. The Director of Human Resource Management has just asked the permanent secretary for a month’s extension in office.
‘’Though the request has not been granted, everyone in FCTA is worried by the refusal of the concerned officials to comply with the rules. We are hoping the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike would intervene speedily.’’
In an ironic twist, Bashir Muhammad had previously drawn the attention of the FCT Administration leadership to the HoS directive on the implementation of the PSR in a circular dated August 9, 2023.
The letter with reference number: FCTA/HRM/ 141145/Vol. I was addressed to the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority; Secretaries, Mandate Secretariats; Heads of Departments, Agencies and Parastatals, Coordinators and Directors, FCTA Common Services Department, and all staff.
It read, ‘’I am directed to refer you to the circular number: HCSF/SPSO/268/T3/2/37 of 27th July 2023 from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and to inform you that the revised Public Service Rules has become operational in the services of FCTA with effect from 27th July 2023.
‘’In this regard, you are to ensure full compliance with all the provisions of the revised PSR, particularly the provision of section 020909 on tenure policy for directors or its equivalent on Grade Level 17. Please, ensure strict compliance with the contents of this circular.’’
Muhammad’s phone was switched off on Thursday, so calls to his phone did not go through.
However, the FCTA Director of Press, Muhammed Sule, clarified that the directors had been instructed to retire through a circular.
“For instance, the Director, of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh has left; the Director of Family Health, Dr Boladale Alonge has gone, and many others. The ones I know personally that have retired are about seven,” the source said.