The Federal Government, under President Muhmamadu Buhari has reportedly sacked Chukwuyere N. Anamekwe as the acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF).
According to The Nation reports, has been replaced with AGF Mr. Okolieaboh Ezeoke Sylvis, a former TSA (Treasury Single Account) Director.
It was gathered that Anamekwe’s replacement followed allegations that he was being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It was also said that the government was not comfortable with his revelation that it was borrowing to pay salaries.
Anamekwe was appointed acting AGF on the May 22, 2022, He made the controversial remark on government borrowing to pay salaries on June 14.
His appointment came after his predecessor, Ahmed Idris was suspended over alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds in the tune of N80 billion.
According to reports, the Federal Government has initiated search for a new AGF.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan has been said to have issued a circular to that effect.
In a memo titled: “Commencement of the process of appointment of a substantive Accountant-General of the Federation”, the HoCSF directed permanent secretaries to forward details of eligible directors on Grade 17 to her on or before 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
The memo stated the qualification of level 17 officers qualified for the position.
There are” “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.”
Attempts to get senior government officials to clarify the allegation of borrowing to pay salaries were unsuccessful
The Ministry of Finance directed this reporter to the AG-F who it said “he should be in a better position to clarify it”.
Spokesman for the Office of AG-F Henshaw Ogubike said: “The man that granted the interview is not around for now.”
An official of the Debt Management Office (DMO) told The Nation: “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.
“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.”
