The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has expressed support for the move by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha to call ministers to order on arbitrary removal and appointments.
BMO said in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, that Cabinet members must follow due process in the removal and appointment of heads of agencies and ministerial aides, noting that such must be done in conformity with the President and the ruling party’s vision.
“We view the recent circular on the matter as the right step in the right direction, especially as some actions that are taken arbitrarily by some ministers are capable of embarrassing the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“Indeed the SGF alluded to what he described as arbitrary removal of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of government parastatals, agencies and departments, but it is also true that some of the ministers have been making appointments without recourse to the President or considering the sensibilities of supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“These acts are uncalled for, especially as we have an administration in place that places value on discipline and has a procedure for everything pertaining to hiring and firing of appointees.
“So it is gratifying that the SGF has stated emphatically that no minister can unilaterally remove CEOs of agencies, adding that the President has approved a disciplinary procedure against erring heads of agencies.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the circular simply showed that the buck stops on the table of President Buhari based on recommendations that are channelled through the SGF to Mr President for a decision,” it added.
“The penchant by some cabinet members for appointing people who do not share the philosophy of the President, and that of the party, is one sore point that should be discouraged, and terminating the appointment of such people will send the right signals on the readiness of the President and the APC to reward party loyalty.”
The group also urged party supporters and Nigerians to trust in the President’s ability to ensure that the right thing is done always.
