NSE Criticizes Unqualified Appointments to RBDAs

Allegations have emerged in Kano’s political circles accusing Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, of halting the appointment of Kano indigenes to positions within the Hadeja Jama’are River Basin Authority.

However, investigations reveal that these claims are unfounded and unrelated to Senator Barau’s actions.

The Federal Government had announced the reconstitution of the executive management of the 12 RBDAs on December 18, 2024. The appointees from Kano are Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi (Managing Director), Baffa Dandatti Abdulkadir (Executive Director, Engineering), and Hon. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso (Executive Director, Finance).

On December 23, 2024, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) released a statement in Abuja raising concerns over the appointment of unqualified individuals to critical engineering roles within the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Signed by NSE President Margaret Oguntala, the statement noted that many appointees to key positions, such as Executive Director of Engineering and Executive Director of Planning and Design, lacked the professional qualifications and expertise required for these roles.

The NSE’s review of the appointments revealed that only four of the 12 executive director positions were filled by certified engineers.

“This press statement is issued to express our deep concerns regarding the implications of these appointments for the future of Nigeria’s water resources management and sustainable development.”

However, the NSE criticized the lack of adherence to professional standards in the selection process, warning that this could jeopardize the effective management of the country’s water resources.

The NSE’s objections to the appointments are unrelated to the alleged interference of Senator Barau in Kano appointments.

Investigations confirm that Senator Barau had no involvement in the selection process and remains focused on his legislative responsibilities.

Sources close to Senator Barau clarified that he is committed to fair governance and the development of Kano State and Nigeria at large, distancing him from any claims of political interference in the RBDA appointments.

As the debate continues, stakeholders are encouraged to focus on merit and professionalism, ensuring the effective delivery of services critical to Nigeria’s growth and development.

Comments

Youthful Excellence Personified: The Inspiring Story of Dahir M Hashim

By Sule Sani Sule In a world where youthful exuberance is often marred by self-interest and fleeting passions, it's refreshing to come across individuals like Dahir M Hashim, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in Kano State. His remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that the youth of today can indeed drive positive change. Hashim's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a genuine commitment to creating a better world. Long before he assumed his current role, he was already making significant contributions to the field of climate change and environmental affairs. His expertise and passion have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his appointment as Commissioner by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ¹. Under Hashim's leadership, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has undergone a remarkable transformation. His efforts have been instrumental in tackling environmental challenges, and his commitment to sustainabi...

Aisha Garba’s Bold Vision for Transforming Basic Education in Nigeria

By Suhaib Auwal In a country where the foundational pillars of education have long been riddled with structural gaps, funding constraints, and policy inconsistencies, the recent leadership at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) signals a renewed hope. Since her appointment as the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba has embarked on a reformist mission that seeks not just to address the surface-level symptoms, but to cure the systemic ailments crippling Nigeria’s basic education sector. At the core of her vision is a comprehensive, inclusive, and technology-driven approach to strengthening basic education delivery. Her leadership style is not only proactive, but it also reflects a deep understanding of Nigeria's complex educational terrain. With over 17 million children currently out of school, Garba has made it unequivocally clear: this figure is unacceptable, and she intends to drastically reduce it within the shortest possible time. A Three-Pronged V...

DISRESPECTING COURT ORDER REGARDING KANO EMIRATE CRISIS

By Dr. Usman Suleiman Sarki Law and order are the bedrock of harmonious living in every human society. This necessitated the establishment of judicial system responsible for the enforcement of law and order as well as the settlement of disputes between parties. One most important organ of the judiciary is the Court that determines cases brought before it using appropriate legal procedures. In an effort to ensure the proper discharge of its duties, the court gives order(s) to individuals, group, organizations/institutions and state mandating them to refrain or undertake an action before or after judgement. In line with the above, a federal high court sitting in Kano received a petition seeking for its intervention on matters relating Kano Emirate Crisis as the state House of Assembly passed a bill for the dissolution of the Five Emirates in the state where the court gives an order restraining the Kano state Governor from assenting a bill into and implementing the...

Politics 24

Search This Blog