Career Progression Dispute Hits Sports Ministry Amid Poor Olympic Games > 자유게시판

A career progression dispute has shaken the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, compounding the Ministry’s challenges following Nigeria’s disappointing medal less performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite spending over N9 billion. The dispute centres around Mrs Amaka Ashiofu, who was demoted from her position as acting head of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department FEAD after a petition by Mr Olumide Bamiduro, her senior colleague.

Mr. Bamiduro argued that Mrs. Ashiofu had been wrongfully elevated above him. The Head of Civil Service intervened, reinstating Mr. Bamiduro’s seniority and reversing Mrs. Ashiofu’s appointment, but the Ministry has yet to resolve the issue of her cadre conversion. Insiders revealed that Mrs. Ashiofu should have been transferred to the Ministry of Youth after its separation from Sports in 2023 but was instead promoted within the Ministry of Sports.

The Ministry’s refusal to comply with the directives has fueled allegations of favouritism, further damaging its credibility. Critics argue that the Ministry should focus on improving Nigeria’s sporting performance rather than engaging in internal power struggles. Concerns about transparency and accountability continued to grow as Mrs. Ashiofu proceeded to take promotion exams, despite the Head of Civil Service’s directive to suspend her promotion activities.

Editorial

The ongoing career progression dispute within the Federal Ministry of Sports Development reveals a troubling trend of mismanagement and disregard for proper procedure at a time when the Ministry should be focused on rebuilding its reputation. Nigeria’s poor performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, coupled with this internal power struggle, sends a clear message something is deeply wrong within the leadership of the Ministry.

It is disheartening to see taxpayer money, over N9 billion in this case, go to waste without delivering any tangible results for the country’s athletes. Instead of directing resources towards the development of sports and the nurturing of talent, the Ministry seems more concerned with indulging in petty disputes over career progression.

We believe that this dispute is emblematic of the broader issues within the Ministry. There is a need for accountability, transparency, and fairness in handling promotions and staff appointments. The fact that Mrs. Ashiofu was allowed to continue with her promotion exams, despite clear instructions from the Head of Civil Service, a blatant disregard for authority and due process.