By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The National Association of Nigerian Students,(NANS) cleared air on the leadership tussle over the expiration of Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria Professor Jeffrey Tsware Barminas.
In a Press Statement signed by the National Secretary General,Comrade Usman Baba Kankia,and issued to Newsmen in Kaduna.
Read in part: “A few days ago, you were all aware of the misconception over his tenure in office that has become a popular topic among various groups and persons of interest.
“Professor.Jeffrey was first appointed DG via a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) dated 18th April, 2017 for a period of 4years, subsequently in appreciation of his sterling performance in office, this appointment was renewed on 24th March, 2021 via a letter signed by the Honorable Minister (State) of Science and Technology.
“It is however inconceivable for anybody to suggest that the DG is occupying office illegally as his appointment is subsisting untill the expiration of his 2nd tenure.
While we are on it, the Director General responded comprehensively to the inquiry of NANS via a letter signed by the DG/CEO, responding in detail to all the allegations raised,to buttress his submission,the letter was accompanied with supporting documents and everything needed to be understood by NANS is now in clear perspective.
“We are against corruption and we are committed to advocating and promoting good governance at all levels, as such we will never support corrupt elements in government.But where there is a clear misinformation about happenings, we owe ourselves and the society a duty to get to the bottom of the matter in order to get the facts and set the records straight.
NANS as a responsible organization and voice of the voiceless submitted a letter to the DG/CEO seeking clarification on the allegations of tenure expiration, corruption and nepotism as well as to seek clarity that will enable NANS take decision on concrete and reliable information.
“While awaiting the response of the DG/CEO,we also carried out our independent findings and came to the conclusion that the allegations of nepotism,staff victimization and corruption are in part and whole misleading,untrue, unverified and should therefore be ignored.
The statement further explain” It is imperative to state that since the inception of his tenure, the DG have repositioned NARICT to deliver on the mandate establishing the institution to further research in areas of chemical Technology, Entrepreneurship, National Security and has impacted positively on the Nigerian economy.
“It is important that special focus should be on steps taken by the Professor. Jeffrey to actualize the mandate of NARICT, It is on this note we have summarised some of his laudable feats that we have come to find out in the course of our investigation such as.
“Promotion of competency above sectarian considerations and primordial sentiment that has now made NARICT a model for other government agencies to emulate. Under Professor. Jeffrey, National unity and cohesion has been promoted to the high table and staff now have equal opportunity to contribute their quota to advancing the course of the institution.