BCDA Leadership Dispute Sparks Questions Over Delay in Tinubu’s Appointment

PUNCH NEWS A leadership dispute has emerged at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) following delays in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of a new Director General, raising questions about the execution of presidential directives within the Federal Government.

President Tinubu announced the appointment of Dr Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas, a former House of Representatives spokesman, as Director General of the BCDA on June 26, stating that he would replace Dr Dakorinama George, who had resigned to pursue an elective position in his home state. The Presidency said the appointment took immediate effect.

However, more than three weeks after the announcement, Namdas has reportedly not received his formal appointment letter, while George has continued to perform official duties and represent the agency at public engagements, fueling uncertainty over the agency’s leadership.

The development has drawn criticism from political stakeholders, with some questioning why the presidential directive has yet to be implemented. APC chieftain Hamman Yero alleged that the delay stemmed from the failure of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue the appointment letter, arguing that such delays raise constitutional and administrative concerns.

Responding to the controversy, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu had not reversed Namdas’ appointment, maintaining that the President’s decision remains valid. He explained that the responsibility for issuing the formal appointment letter rests with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Officials in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation declined to comment on the matter, saying an official response would only be provided following a formal inquiry.

The dispute has revived memories of previous disagreements over federal appointments, where delays in implementing presidential decisions created uncertainty within government agencies before the Presidency later reaffirmed its position.

Political analysts say the BCDA episode underscores the importance of ensuring that presidential appointments are implemented promptly to avoid administrative confusion and maintain confidence in government institutions.