Minister, Head Of Service Plot To Illegally Extend Permanent Secretary’s Tenure -

 EXPOSED: Defence Minister, Head of Service Plot to Illegally Extend Permanent Secretary’s Tenure

A group of concerned senior civil servants have raised alarm over an alleged plot involving the minister of defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, and top officials in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to unlawfully extend the tenure of Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, permanent secretary representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a petition exclusively obtained by Leaders.ng, addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and submitted via official email on Monday, June 16, 2025, the civil servants, comprising directors and deputy directors, described the move as a “corrupt and partial implementation” of the Public Service Rules (PSR).

They alleged that Aduda, whose statutory eight-year tenure ends on August 16, 2025, is lobbying for a backdoor one-year extension through the assistance of Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, permanent secretary in charge of service policies and strategies, and with the backing of Minister Badaru.

“This is nothing short of a betrayal of the civil service reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is an attempt to bend the rules for one man while sidelining other competent officers,” the petition reads.

Aduda was first appointed permanent secretary on August 16, 2017, and his tenure was renewed on August 16, 2021. By rule, he is expected to exit the service by August 16, 2025.

The petitioners describe his performance as “uninspiring and disruptive,” citing his controversial tenures at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

“His time in Foreign Affairs was marked by chaos, protests, and an alleged lack of professionalism.

“At Defence, things have been no better. Both military and civilian staff view his tenure as the worst in recent memory,” a senior official within the ministry told Leaders.ng.

The petition also mentioned “grave allegations of impropriety and abuse of office,” including unprofessional conduct within his work environment.

“If this extension is allowed, it confirms the worst fears of many in the service, that political connections override performance, and rules are only enforced selectively,” a source in the OHCSF disclosed.

Inside sources at the Ministry of Defence revealed that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has refused to support the move, reportedly advising Aduda to prepare to vacate office at the end of his term.

“He [Matawalle] does not want any part of the illegality and has told Aduda to leave honourably,” said a senior director.

The petitioners also accused Mrs. Walson-Jack of working “behind the scenes” to secure approval for the extension without due process, warning that such a move could derail ongoing efforts to sanitise the federal civil service.

In their letter, the petitioners made four clear demands:

That no oral or written request for extension of Aduda’s tenure be considered by the OHCSF or submitted to the president.

That if such a request has already been submitted, President Tinubu should reject it immediately in the interest of discipline and transparency.

That the post of Permanent Secretary, FCT, be declared vacant on August 17, 2025, and made open to qualified candidates.

That the ICPC and relevant agencies investigate the alliance between Aduda, Walson-Jack, and Badaru to prevent further erosion of rule-based governance.

“We are not driven by malice but by our duty to uphold the integrity of the service.

“If this plot succeeds, the morale of competent officers who obey the rules will be destroyed,” said Umar Nuhu, who signed the petition on behalf of the group.

As of the time of reporting, Leaders.ng reached out to Mr. Aduda, Mrs. Walson-Jack, and the Ministry of Defence for comments. None have responded to the allegations.

The OHCSF has acknowledged receipt of the petition, according to an insider, but has yet to take a formal position.