NIMET: A case of one body with two heads

Solomon S. Markus As a concerned professional meteorologist — and with the express consent of many of my colleagues — I’m compelled to write this piece, believing that sanity would be restored in the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). It is no longer a secret that the recent appointment of four (4) new Chief Executive Officers […]

Solomon S. Markus

As a concerned professional meteorologist — and with the express consent of many of my colleagues — I’m compelled to write this piece, believing that sanity would be restored in the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). It is no longer a secret that the recent appointment of four (4) new Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in some of the parastatals under the Ministry of Aviation has been made. Everyone is also very much aware that out of the four new appointees, all but that of NIMET, have assumed duties at their new posts, busying themselves with the tasks ahead of them and their staff. This is a most disturbing development, one that should cause any right-thinking individual or professional lack of sleep.

Many professional meteorologists are thoroughly baffled because of the posture the presidential directive has taken. This is because no precedence has ever been recorded in the history of transition from one political appointment to another where the supervising ministry would contravene a presidential directive and ask the sacked Director-General to stay behind and mentor the newly-appointed one on the rudiments of administration and other aspects of the job. This, to us, suggests that either the ministry has no confidence in the capacity of the newly-appointed one or there is an unfinished business the sacked one is doing for the ministry officials which may not be “properly” done by the new one. 

It would not be out of place for a red flag to be waved at this point, suggesting that something sinister is at play here. Otherwise, why go totally out of your way and trample on existing norms to satisfy an unorthodox end? This question is rhetorical, as we know what it means in the Nigeria of today once unusual moves are being made anywhere, be it in business or public service. All we are asking is that the right thing be done, plain and simple.

Moreover, the post of a Director-General in NIMET is not a career post where an outgoing CEO would need to mentor his subordinate for succession. To us, this development, undermines the capabilities of the Heads of Departments of the Agency who normally, are to brief and guide any incoming CEO.  More so, comprehensive handover notes are normally prepared for ease of succession. This is exactly why we have gigantic question marks over our heads, as we cannot comprehend the true – or practical motive – behind such a novel, and totally self-defeating move.

As professionals who jealously guard the good name of the profession of Meteorology, we are compelled, by common sense and professional motivation, to ask the following burning questions:

i. Since the sacked DG, Dr Anthony Anuforom is to teach Prof. Mashi how to manage NIMET, who among them is the accounting officer? 

ii. In the event there is the need to make a presentation before members of the National Assembly, who between them would lead the organization?

iii. How much effect would this confusion have on the moral  and motivation of staff who may not know where to place their allegiance?

iv. Would this mix up not compromise Prof. Mashi’s ability to make positive change in the system?

These questions, while not exhaustive, form the main query we’re posing to the authorities and any patriotic, right-thinking Nigerian. Don’t get the message wrong, Honorable Minister Sir, we are happy with the change of leadership in NIMET because of the undesirability of Dr. Anuforom’s leadership. We, however, will not stoop so low as to call names, but wait upon that faithful element called posterity to judge — and execute. To us,  ten years is more than enough for one to make a difference if he had any initiative. He should be grateful to God for such an opportunity and exit honorably, otherwise we will mobilise and stop him from entering the complex, of course in a perfectly legal and professional way, as we are law-abiding citizens and professionals who only want to see the right thing being done so our noble profession is not dragged in the mud.

Before any other kind of wrong colouration is given to our protest, we need to stress it clearly: This is merely protest by a concerned group of professionals, and I’m proudly giving voice to it. I state this caveat, because there is nothing an unprofessional individual cannot do to satisfy his ends. This case of a body with two heads, which NIMET happens to be at the moment, should be solved in clear terms, and as soon as is humanly possible. We are ready to support Prof. Mashi to succeed, as we are very much aware of his record of service and we sincerely feel he would readily adapt to our climate and expand our horizons like the leader he is known to be. We believe our requests – nay, demands – are not even remotely unreasonably, and show us strictly in the light that we are resolute in our prayer for a better Nigeria, in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, which is of positive change.

Markus wrote in from Garki, Abuja.