Controversy Trails Extension of Retired Civil Servants’ Tenure in Adamawa
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in Adamawa State has come under intense criticism over the alleged extension of tenure for several retired senior civil servants — a move many describe as a violation of established civil service rules and a source of discontent among serving officers.
According to Nigeria’s Civil Service Rules, specifically Rule 020980 (1 & 2), a civil servant is expected to retire after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60, whichever comes first. However, investigations reveal that in Adamawa State, over 10 senior officials who have met one or both retirement criteria have been granted service extensions ranging from six months to one year.
Leading the list of those affected is the Accountant General of the state, Mr. Kefas James Tagwi, alongside four permanent secretaries and several directors. Others include Engr. Suleiman Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Energy Development, as well as the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance and Education & Human Capital Development.
Critics argue that the extension of service for these individuals is not only against the spirit of the civil service rules but also creates stagnation and resentment within the system. Junior officers eligible for promotions are reportedly sidelined due to the continued presence of these retired officials.
A senior civil servant, who requested ano anonymity, claimed that he was denied the opportunity to sit for the promotion examination to become a permanent secretary because a current office holder from his local government area was granted an extension.
Civil rights advocate, Mr. Yusuf Amos Sunday, condemned the practice, stating, “Though the extension of service is at the discretion of the governor, this trend is troubling. There is no legal or procedural basis in the civil service rules that justifies this action.”
“What is happening in the Adamawa State civil service is lawlessness. It undermines professionalism and merit-based growth,” he added.
Reacting to the growing concerns, the Head of Service, Pharmacist Isa Ardo, confirmed that about six permanent secretaries had retired but were re-engaged by the governor.
He defended the move, stating that while not explicitly captured in the civil service rules, the governor reserves the right to retain officers who are “still strong and relevant.”
“The governor can re-engage any officer that is performing well,” Ardo said. “In fact, there is no specific rule stopping the chief executive from extending the tenure of such officers.”
On the issue of promotion stagnation, Ardo explained that promotion exams are conducted and only those who meet the required benchmark are elevated. He revealed that in the most recent exercise, three local government areas had candidates who failed the exams, while Toungo LGA had no qualified candidates.
Despite the official explanation, the development continues to stir unease within the Adamawa State civil service, with many civil servants expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of fairness and disregard for due process.
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