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.
