The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has announced the suspension of its planned investigation and potential legal challenge regarding the appointment of Bello Bwari Bello as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency. The decision followed direct intervention from former NBMA Director-General, Rufus Ebegba.
CASER through its Executive Director, Frank Tietie, had raised concerns over whether appointing a lawyer and politician to lead a highly specialised scientific agency aligns with established standards. Tietie argued that institutions like the NBMA, which focus on biosafety regulation, should ideally be headed by individuals with advanced qualifications in biological sciences or related disciplines.
In its statement, CASER acknowledged the considerable pressure and resistance it faced from parts of the scientific community, including warnings and ridicule for pursuing the matter. The organisation had prepared to challenge the appointment in the Federal High Court but ultimately chose to halt its actions in deference to Dr. Ebegba, whose support and openness during his tenure had facilitated CASER’s longstanding engagement in Nigeria’s biosafety and biotechnology sector.
Tietie emphasised that the decision to suspend the probe does not indicate that CASER believed the appointment was proper. “We are not withdrawing because we are convinced we are wrong. We are withdrawing because respect has compelled us to do so,” he said.
CASER confirmed that it will cease all further investigations, public challenges, and legal proceedings related to the NBMA leadership appointment, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting standards, legality, and institutional integrity in Nigeria’s governance and regulatory frameworks.
