Concerns Mount Over Gbajabiamila’s Oversight of Presidential Agencies

Personnel from various agencies under the Presidency have raised concerns regarding the recent oversight visits conducted by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President. These visits, which began on August 22, have sparked a debate about the role and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff.

Traditionally, oversight functions are seen as the purview of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the National Assembly. However, Gbajabiamila’s recent “fact-finding exercises and familiarization tours” of key agencies under the Presidency have led to concerns among civil servants and government officials.

Agencies visited by the Chief of Staff include the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), among others. These visits were preceded by a meeting on July 30, where agency heads were briefed on the expectations of Gbajabiamila’s oversight activities.

During the visits, agency heads were required to present detailed reports on their operations, challenges, and future plans. Additionally, they were instructed to ensure strict adherence to Public Service Rules and procurement regulations.

Critics argue that Gbajabiamila may be overstepping his role, traditionally limited to coordinating the activities of the presidency. A senior official from the Office of the SGF, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern that these visits might undermine the authority of the SGF and other senior officials, potentially leading to conflicts within the government.

On the other hand, some civil servants view the visits as a positive step, provided they are conducted within the bounds of legality. A director in the Office of the SGF stated that the visits are permissible if they have the President’s mandate.

Others, however, see the Chief of Staff’s actions as an encroachment on established oversight channels. They warn that such activities could lead to overlaps in responsibilities and create confusion within government operations.

Despite these concerns, some officials, including Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, support the Chief of Staff’s oversight visits. Agbese argued that these visits do not conflict with the mandate of the National Assembly and could enhance communication between the executive and legislative branches.

Civil society organizations have also weighed in, with some calling for careful scrutiny of Gbajabiamila’s actions. Dr. Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa warned that while government officials should work towards good governance, the Chief of Staff’s role should not encroach on the responsibilities of other government offices.

As the debate continues, the Presidency and the Office of the SGF have remained silent on the matter, declining to comment on the controversy surrounding Gbajabiamila’s oversight visits.