Nigeria’s acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwuyere Anamekwe, has been fired from his position.
According to reports, Mr. Okolieaboh Ezeoke Sylvis, a former TSA (Treasury Single Account) Director, took his place two weeks ago.
Following reports that he was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Anamekwe was quietly removed from his position.
It was also learned that the government was uncomfortable with Anamekwe’s admission that it was borrowing money to cover salaries.
After Mr. Ahmed Idris, the former AGF, was detained by the EFCC on suspicion of corruption on May 22, 2022, Anamekwe was named acting AGF. On June 14, Anamekwe made the contentious admission that the government borrowed money to pay salaries. He was later replaced seven days after.
The Federal Government has started looking for a new AGF, according to The Nation, which cited a source.
Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), has issued a circular to that effect.
In a memo titled: “Commencement of the process of appointment of a substantive Accountant-General of the Federation,” the HoCSF directed permanent secretaries to forward details of eligible directors on Grade 17 to her on or before 4:00 pm on Wednesday July 6, 2022.
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The memo stated the qualification of level 17 officers qualified for the position.
Those who have attained the position of Substantive Director (Grade 17) on or before January 1, 2020 and are not retiring from the service earlier than December 31, 2024 are eligible to participate in the selection process while officers undergoing disciplinary proceedings are excluded.
Attempts to get senior government officials to clarify the allegation of borrowing to pay salaries were unsuccessful
The Ministry of Finance directed this reporter to the AG-F who it said “he should be in a better position to clarify it.”
Spokesman for the Office of AG-F Henshaw Ogubike said:
The man that granted the interview is not around for now.
An official of the Debt Management Office (DMO) told The Nation:
You probably should clarify from the AGF or FMFBNP. Funds raised by the DMO are deposited directly into the FGN’s Accounts at the CBN for spending on capital projects. As you know, the DMO does not disburse funds.
The AG-F is the administrative head of the treasury of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The office holder is often appointed by the President of Nigeria to serve a four year term as stipulated in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.