A contentious dispute over career progression has erupted within the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, threatening to further tarnish the Ministry’s reputation following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The country’s medal-less campaign, which cost over N9 billion, has already raised questions about the Ministry’s efficiency in utilizing taxpayer funds.
At the center of the dispute is Mrs Amaka Ashiofu, a staff member who was demoted as acting head of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) after a petition by Mr. Olumide Bamiduro.
The demotion was a result of Mrs. Ashiofu’s wrongful elevation above her senior, Mr. Bamiduro, who petitioned the Head of the Civil Service of Nigeria.
“The Ministry swiftly restored Mr. Bamiduro’s seniority and reversed Mrs. Ashiofu’s appointment as Head of Department, but it has failed to address the issue of her incorrect cadre conversion,” a letter from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of Nigeria reads.
“We urge the Ministry to reverse Mrs. Ashiofu’s cadre, chart her progression accordingly, and submit a report within one week.”
Insiders reveal that Mrs. Ashiofu who is fondly known as “Amaka” was employed as a staff member of the Ministry of Youth and should have been redeployed there after the separation of the Ministry from Sports by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
Instead, she was elevated above her senior and made acting director of FEAD, prompting Mr. Bamiduro to petition the Head of Civil Service.
“The Ministry’s inaction is a clear disregard for the directives of the Head of the Civil Service,” a source said.
“Mrs. Ashiofu should have been sent back to the Ministry of Youth, but instead, she was allowed to serve under Mr Bamiduro, who she was previously elevated above.”
Another source added, “This is a classic case of favouritism and disregard for the rules. Mrs. Ashiofu’s promotion was illegal, and the Ministry is now trying to cover it up.”
The Federal Ministry of Sports Development has thus far refused to comply with the Head of the Civil Service’s directives, sparking a heated dispute.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry was unavailable for comment, as she was reportedly in Paris at the time of writing.
As the dispute continues to unfold, questions arise about the Ministry’s accountability and transparency in handling staff promotions and career progressions.
“It’s unacceptable that the Ministry is wasting resources on unnecessary disputes when they should be focusing on improving Nigeria’s sporting performance,” said a sports analyst.
“The Ministry needs to take responsibility for its actions and ensure that staff promotions are based on merit and seniority.”
A concerned citizen chimed in, “This is a clear example of the rot in our system. The Ministry should be focused on developing our sports, not indulging in petty power struggles.”
Another critic added, “The Ministry’s handling of this dispute is a reflection of the larger issues in our country. We need accountability and transparency in all sectors, not just sports.”
Despite the Head of the Civil Service’s directive to suspend all promotion-related activities for Mrs Ashiofu until her cadre and post are determined, it has been reliably learned that she proceeded to sit for promotion exams last Friday.
This development is widely perceived as a blatant disregard for the HOS’s instruction, raising concerns about the Ministry’s compliance with official directives.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the Federal Ministry of Sports Development must prioritize accountability and transparency to restore public trust.
“The Ministry needs to come clean and explain why they are refusing to comply with the Head of Civil Service’s directives,” a civil society leader said.
“The public has a right to know what’s going on, and it’s time for the Ministry to take responsibility for their actions.”
