News
Coalition Urges Tinubu to Remove Senior Public Officer Adetunji Over Alleged Misconduct
A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji from public office over what it described as grave allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of public service ethics.
In an open letter jointly signed on Thursday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of CSAACAO, Comrade Gbenga Akande, and the National Secretary, Comrade Ishaya Abdullaziz, on behalf of 20 other civil society organisations, the coalition urged the President to order a comprehensive investigation into the allegations while emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the public service.
According to the coalition, the allegations against the public officer include alleged professional misconduct, abuse of official authority, intimidation, misuse of office for personal interests, sponsorship of defamatory publications against another public officer, unethical conduct, media manipulation, and alleged administrative and financial irregularities during his tenure.
The group also alleged that Surveyor Adetunji is involved in an ongoing court matter and claimed that a bench warrant was reportedly issued for his arrest. It argued that, if confirmed, such circumstances would be incompatible with continued service in public office.
CSAACAO further alleged that the official, despite reportedly reaching the statutory retirement age, has refused to process his retirement by allegedly failing to submit the necessary retirement documents and withholding official records.
The coalition claimed that these actions, if established, could amount to violations of the Public Service Rules, the Pension Reform Act, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
The coalition warned that allowing a public officer facing such allegations to remain in office could undermine public confidence in the administration’s anti-corruption agenda, weaken trust in the civil service disciplinary system, and create the impression that misconduct is tolerated.
While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence, the coalition argued that public officers occupying sensitive positions should step aside whenever credible allegations arise pending the outcome of investigations.
Among its demands, CSAACAO urged President Tinubu to immediately remove Surveyor Adetunji from office in the public interest, direct a full-scale investigation into all allegations against him, mandate the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the reported court matter and any related issues, and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The letter was copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the ICPC.
As of the time of filing this report, Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the open letter, and the claims had not been independently verified. No official statement had also been issued by the Presidency regarding the petition.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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