Despite President Bola Tinubu’s announcement appointing Abdulrazak Namdas to head the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), the former House of Representatives spokesperson has yet to receive the official documentation needed to assume office more than three weeks later.
The Punch reported on Sunday, July 19, that the delay has been linked to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), raising questions about why the appointment has not been formally concluded.
Tinubu announced Namdas’ appointment on June 26 in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision took “immediate effect.”
Namdas was named to replace Dakorinama George, who vacated the position after declaring his interest in the Rivers State governorship race.
However, George has reportedly remained active at the agency.
It was further gathered that on July 9, he met with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, in Abuja, where he sought the release of funding for infrastructure projects in border communities.
George also informed the minister that the agency had attracted a proposed $2 billion investment from Chinese partners for a livestock processing project in Maigatari, Jigawa State.
He further disclosed that the BCDA was working with security agencies to establish a Border Communities Intelligence Corps.
Officials within the agency, who spoke anonymously, claimed George never completed a formal handover before contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary. They alleged that after losing the contest, he quietly resumed his duties at the agency.
One source further claimed George’s continued stay was being supported by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who previously worked with him when George served as Rivers State commissioner for works.
A loyalist of George rejected the allegation, describing it as “mere insinuation.” The source argued that Wike, being a presidential appointee, lacked the authority to determine who heads the agency.
Onanuga maintained that the President’s decision remains unchanged.
He said:
“As far as I know, the President has not changed his mind. Namdas remains the executive secretary of the agency.”
The presidential spokesman explained that the responsibility for issuing appointment letters lies with the SGF’s office, although he declined to say whether the Presidency had sought an explanation for the delay.
When contacted, SGF spokesman Christopher Ugwuegbulam said the office would only comment after receiving a formal written request.
The SGF’s media adviser, Yomi Odunuga, also said he was unaware of the issue, while George did not respond to calls or text messages requesting his reaction.
Reacting to the development, constitutional lawyer Suraj Bamidele warned that uncertainty over the agency’s leadership could create legal complications, as actions taken by an official whose authority is disputed may later be challenged.
Public affairs analyst Sunday Awosika also criticised the situation, calling it “a very bad commentary” and urging President Tinubu to restore order to the government’s administrative processes.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng noted that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had congratulated Namdas in an X post following his appointment in late June.
See the post below:
