Chukwuyere Anamekwe who replaced Ahmed Idris as the Accountant General of the Federation in an acting capacity has been consumed by his own investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption.
Anamekwe was replaced two weeks ago with Okolieaboh Sylvis, a former Treasury Single Account (TSA) Director who is also acting in the new post.
Abuja has issued a circular within the civil service in search of a substantive Accountant General (AG), a position that became vacant in May after Ahmed Idris was nabbed by the graft buster over alleged N170 billion fraud. He is on bail.
Anamekwe’s replacement followed the allegation that he is being investigated for alleged corruption by the EFCC, coupled with his disclosure that the government is borrowing money to pay salaries, which Aso Rock found embarrassing.
Search for substantive AG
Anamekwe was appointed acting AG on 22 May. He announced on 14 June that the government borrows money to pay salaries, and was replaced seven days later, per reporting by The Nation.
Sylva is due for retirement in the first quarter of 2023.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Folasade Yemi-Esan, has issued a circular in search of a substantive AG, directing Permanent Secretaries to forward details of eligible Directors on Grade 17 to her office by 4 pm on 6 July.
The memo stated the qualification of level 17 officers qualified for the position.
“Those who have attained the position of Substantive Director (Grade 17) on or before January 1, 2020 and are not retiring from the service earlier than December 31, 2024 are eligible to participate in the selection process while officers undergoing disciplinary proceedings are excluded,” the memo said.
Officials mum on loans for salaries
No official at the Finance Ministry, Office of the Accountant General of the Federal (OAGF), and the Debt Management Office (DMO) was willing to confirm or deny the allegation of government borrowing to pay salaries.
“You probably should clarify from the AGF or FMFBNP. Funds raised by the DMO are deposited directly into the FGN’s Accounts at the CBN for spending on capital projects. As you know, the DMO does not disburse funds,” a DMO official said.
“The AGF is the administrative head of the treasury of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The office holder is often appointed by the President of Nigeria to serve a four-year term as stipulated in the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”
The Niche
