A public affairs analyst and governance advocate, Comrade Idowu Mustapha, has dismissed allegations that the Director-General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr. Yau Idris, deliberately frustrated the promotion of a senior staff member, describing the claims as misleading and inconsistent with the procedures governing the Federal Civil Service.
Mustapha said the allegations, which have recently generated public debate, failed to take into account the statutory processes and institutional procedures that govern appointments and promotions within federal government establishments. Blueprint reports
Speaking with blueprint.ng correspondent on Sunday, the governance advocate explained that promotions in the NNRA are regulated by the Public Service Rules, approved establishment structure, availability of vacancies and approvals by the appropriate authorities, including the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
Promotion not at discretion of DG
According to him, it is erroneous to suggest that the Director-General has the legal authority to single-handedly promote an officer or reject directives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“The Director-General does not possess unilateral powers to promote officers or arbitrarily deny anyone promotion. Such processes are governed by extant Public Service Rules and involve several statutory procedures. It is therefore misleading to personalise what is essentially an institutional process,” he said.
He explained that promotions in federal agencies are subject to laid down guidelines and administrative processes, adding that the role of the chief executive of an agency is largely guided by extant regulations and approvals from the appropriate authorities.
Mustapha noted that attributing every administrative decision within an organisation to the head of the institution without a proper understanding of the procedures involved could create false impressions and undermine public confidence in government institutions.
NNRA DG committed to due process
The analyst described Dr. Yau Idris as a seasoned administrator whose public service career has been defined by integrity, professionalism and adherence to due process.
According to him, the NNRA boss has earned respect within the public service for his transparent leadership style, commitment to accountability and respect for constituted authority.
“Those who have worked with Dr. Yau Idris know him as a man of impeccable character who believes in due process, fairness and the rule of law. Throughout his years in public service, he has demonstrated discipline, transparency and respect for institutional procedures.
“It would be unfair to portray him as someone who acts outside the law without credible evidence,” he said.
Mustapha further argued that public officials should not be subjected to media trials, especially on matters that are already undergoing official review by competent authorities.
He stressed that allegations against public servants should be supported with facts and handled within the framework of the law rather than through sensational claims capable of damaging reputations.
Matter before House committee
The public affairs analyst disclosed that issues surrounding the promotion of the officer in question are already before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which has concluded its hearings and is expected to make its findings public.
He urged stakeholders, including the media and members of the public, to allow the legislative process to run its full course instead of drawing conclusions ahead of the committee’s report.
According to him, respect for due process and institutional mechanisms remains critical in the administration of justice and the resolution of disputes in public institutions.
“The principles of fairness and natural justice demand that all parties be heard. We should avoid publications capable of prejudicing an ongoing process or damaging the reputation of public officials without a final determination by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
Call for responsible public discourse
Mustapha also called for responsible public engagement on issues relating to public institutions, noting that misinformation and premature conclusions could undermine confidence in government agencies and their leadership.
He urged journalists and commentators to verify facts before publishing allegations against public officials and institutions, stressing that adherence to professional ethics and respect for due process are essential ingredients of democratic governance.
The analyst maintained that until the House Committee on Public Petitions concludes its work and issues its recommendations, all parties should exercise restraint and allow the relevant institutions to determine the matter in line with established procedures and the rule of law.