Baffa Bichi and questions of disloyalty

TETfund as an agency charged with responsibility to judiciously distribute funds and impose actions that will simplify procedures for developing our tertiary institutions, with his immediate assumption as Tetfund executive Secretary, Dr. A. B Baffa expedite actions in efficient and transparent disbursements of funds to universities and tertiary institutions. That’s why from the initial stage, […]

TETfund as an agency charged with responsibility to judiciously distribute funds and impose actions that will simplify procedures for developing our tertiary institutions, with his immediate assumption as Tetfund executive Secretary, Dr. A. B Baffa expedite actions in efficient and transparent disbursements of funds to universities and tertiary institutions. That’s why from the initial stage, it wasn’t my intention to react to Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi sack from Tetfund. But later, after being provoked by an opinion, titled: “Baffa Bichi and wages of ingratitude,” written by Yusuf Ibrahim Gamawa from Bauchi State, I felt it deemed to rescind my decision. I’m greatly affected by Gamawa’s claim of disloyalty to Adamu Adamu from the part of Baffa Bichi. Strangely enough, he talked as if President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Adamu Adamu as Minister to act like a demigod that compelled Baffa Bichi to serve him and remains loyal to his needs. As someone with good record of public service, coupled with his meritorious high-profile academic credentials, no one doubts the fact that Dr. A. B. Baffa can squarely face the challenges of that institution. Expectedly, despite intense criticisms from some sections, and to us who knew him as progressive university academic, we have a full confidence that A. B. Baffa will not stake his reputation for personal interest.

Moreover, despite disagreement with the Minister of Education, which led to Baffa’s sack, we shouldn’t ignore far-reaching achievements he achieved as Tetfund executive secretary. Baffa Bichi was appointed to discharge his responsibility as executive secretary of Tetfund, so where the question of loyalty aroused? I know, Tetfund as an agency must have rules governing its conducts. Therefore, many would have expected the writer to show us where loyalty to Adamu Adamu became one of the guiding principles for administering Tetfund activities? Their relationship and the manner through which Adamu Adamu effected his appointment as Tetfund ES is personal when it comes to work.

Although the writer failed to specifically mention the areas he thought Baffa appeared disloyal to his boss, but seemingly, failure to mention any reason, he expected Baffa to compromise Tetfund laws just to remain loyal to Adamu Adamu. Presumably, if he succumbed to the pressure, at the end of his tenure, they’ll accuse him for breach of trust. I have to say that I have never been able to figure this issue out. Do you want Baffa to maintain his loyal stand to Adamu Adamu, or otherwise, remain committed to the ideals for which Tetfund stands for? Baffa Bichi was appointed to defend Nigeria’s interest, not the personal interest of Adamu Adamu. Though Gamawa’s submissions might not necessarily be Adamu Adamu’s opinion, but clearly, from the 3rd line of the first paragraph, you can easily detect the motive that prompted the writer to issue that vituperation.

Possibly, Baffa was one of the strange people that Gamawa doesn’t want to see Adamu Adamu with. That was why, he unashamedly expressed his reason for his souring remarks. Though objectively, if we want to achieve high feats in tertiary education sector, and also, for him to maintain adequate control of education ministry, Adamu must ensure cooperation and cordial relationship between all appointed officials. But in spite of this, whatever Adamu might come with, Baffa must ensure that it duly conforms with Tetfund existing rules. You can accuse Baffa Bichi for initiating and sponsoring a political group for Buhari’s re-election bid, but yet failed to come up with any allegation of financial mismanagement. If Baffa was found wanting, probe him for misuse of public funds. Thankfully, Dr Baffa Bichi has already thrown the challenge. It remains for anti-corruption agencies to accept it or otherwise.

Abbas Datti, Kano