President Bola Tinubu, in a surprise move on Thursday, directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr Imam Kashim Imam.
Imam was earlier appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Media Aide to the President, announced the withdrawal of Imam with immediate effect.
Ajuri noted that all other appointments to the board and executive management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.
Recall that there had been backlash on the Federal Government for appointing Imam, believed to be 24 years old, into the board of FERMA.
There were no specific reasons the presidency ordered the withdrawal of the nomination.
The sudden reversal of Imam Kashim Imam's appointment as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) by President Bola Tinubu has left many speculating about the underlying reasons. The withdrawal, which came as a surprise to both supporters and critics alike, has raised questions about the decision-making process within the presidency.
Imam's appointment had sparked a wave of criticism and backlash against the federal government, mainly due to his perceived lack of experience. Many argued that someone so young would struggle to effectively lead such an important agency responsible for the maintenance of Nigeria's vast road network. However, despite the uproar, the initial appointment was made, leaving observers puzzled by this unexpected U-turn.
In a brief statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the president's Media Aide, it was announced that Imam's nomination was being withdrawn with immediate effect. The statement made sure to emphasize that this decision did not affect any other appointments to the FERMA board and executive management team.
The lack of specifics regarding the reasons behind the withdrawal only serves to fuel further speculation. Some have suggested that the age controversy surrounding Imam played a significant role in the decision, as the federal government may have succumbed to the pressures and criticism. Others believe that there may have been other undisclosed factors at play, such as concerns about Imam's qualifications or potential conflicts of interest.
Regardless of the precise reasons, the withdrawal signifies a significant shift in the government's stance and decision-making process. It demonstrates that public opinion, to some extent, can influence the outcome of appointments and decisions made by the presidency. It remains to be seen who will now fill the crucial role of FERMA Chairman, and whether this incident will spark a broader rethink of the government's approach to appointments.
As the dust settles on this unexpected development, Nigeria's citizens and political observers eagerly await further clarification and insight into the decision to reverse Imam Kashim Imam's nomination. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of public opinion and highlights the importance of selecting competent and experienced individuals to lead critical government agencies.