By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The League of Young Professional Progressives in Nigeria (LYPPN) has strongly condemned the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation, describing it as a clear violation of integrity, transparency, and merit.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Munkail Jalaludeen, the group expressed deep disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision, arguing that Ogunjimi did not emerge as the best candidate in the selection process. "We are deeply concerned that the long-awaited announcement of the new Accountant General has fallen short of basic integrity, transparency, equity, and credibility tests," the statement read.
The presidency had announced Ogunjimi's appointment in a press release dated March 4, 2024, claiming that his selection followed a rigorous, merit-based process. However, LYPPN dismissed this claim, insisting that Ogunjimi's appointment contradicted the very principles the administration claimed to uphold.
The group noted that Ogunjimi's previous records in service did not show a distinguished career, having been involved in an alleged N2 billion police payroll fraud. "It is therefore embarrassing and of particular interest to our group that Ogunjimi, in spite of having made a distant and woeful third position, was announced ahead of the other finalists," the group stated.
LYPPN also recalled that controversy had surrounded Ogunjimi's name when he was reportedly considered for the position of Head of Service in December 2023. The group called on the National Assembly, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and Nigerians to prevail on the president to review the appointment and ensure that the candidate with the highest performance in the selection process is appointed without delay.
In a related development, the federal government had earlier reversed Ogunjimi's appointment as AGF, asking Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to continue as the Accountant General of the Federation till March 2025.
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