By Opeyemi Adelakun
A leadership crisis is unfolding at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) as Dr Abdulrazak Namdas is yet to assume office more than three weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his appointment as Director-General, raising questions over the implementation of presidential directives.
Although the Presidency announced Namdas’ appointment on June 26, 2026, to replace Dr Dakorinama George, the former lawmaker has reportedly not received his formal appointment letter, preventing him from taking over the agency.
The delay has left George, who was said to have resigned to pursue the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Rivers State, continuing to oversee the affairs of the agency and represent it at official functions.
The development has sparked allegations that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has yet to complete the administrative process required to formalise the appointment.
Reports indicate that George recently represented the agency at a meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, where discussions focused on funding for BCDA projects and investment initiatives in border communities.
An APC chieftain, Hamman Yero, questioned the delay, arguing that once the President approves an appointment, the necessary documentation should be issued without unnecessary hindrance.
He maintained that any delay in transmitting the appointment letter raises constitutional and administrative concerns regarding compliance with presidential directives.
Responding to the controversy, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, insisted that President Tinubu has not reversed the appointment.
According to him, Namdas remains the duly appointed head of the agency, explaining that the issuance of the appointment letter falls within the responsibility of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
However, officials in the SGF’s office declined to explain the delay, saying a formal request would be required before an official response could be provided.
The controversy has drawn comparisons with the leadership dispute that rocked the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in 2023 when confusion trailed the appointment of its Postmaster-General before the Presidency reaffirmed its decision.
Legal and governance experts warned that prolonged delays in implementing presidential appointments could create uncertainty over the legality of administrative decisions taken during such periods.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also weighed in on the matter, describing the development as evidence of growing confusion within the Presidency.
The party argued that repeated controversies surrounding federal appointments raise concerns about the effective coordination of government, urging the President to ensure that official directives are implemented without delay.
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