Former caretaker chairman of Katagum local government area in Bauchi State, Mallam Musa Azare, has expressed dissatisfaction over the appointment of an individual from Alkaleri local government area as a new permanent aecretary in the state civil service, alleging that the appointee does not meet the qualifications required by civil service regulations.
In a statement issued yesterday, Azare, who did not disclose the identity of the person he was referring to but described him as a close associate of Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, called on the governor to ensure that due process and constitutional provisions are strictly followed in public service appointments.
Azare criticised the recent appointment, describing it as a serious breach of the standards and procedures expected in the civil service.
“While many troubling events are unfolding globally and nationally, an even more disturbing development has occurred in Bauchi State, a stark illiterate who cannot recite the English alphabet A-Z correctly has just been appointed as permanent secretary in the Bauchi state Civil Service,” he said.
According to him, the individual appointed lacks the basic qualifications required for the position of Permanent Secretary.
“Think of any qualification required for the appointment of a Permanent Secretary, qualifications that are constitutionally recognised, this new appointee simply does not possess them, yet the person has been appointed,” he alleged.
Musa Azare noted that Permanent Secretaries are appointed by the President at the federal level and by Governors at the state level, stressing that such appointments must comply with constitutional provisions and civil service regulations.
He reminded the governor of his background as a public servant before venturing into politics.
“Your Excellency was once a Director in the Federal Civil Service, a position you attained through merit and dedication. You understand better than most the rigorous process required to rise through the ranks of the civil service,” Azare stated.
He further described the alleged appointment as an abuse of power and a violation of established procedures.
“This appointment is not only an abuse of power and constitutional processes, it is also an affront to our collective sensibilities,” he said.
Azare warned that history would judge the administration harshly if the alleged unlawful appointment is allowed to stand.
