President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the retirement of the former head of service of the federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita from the federal civil service.
The retirement was contained in a statement by the permanent secretary (general services office), Mr. Olusegun Adekunle, on behalf of the secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.
According to the statement, Oyo- Ita’s retirement from the service took effect from February 27, 2020.
The federal government, however, explained that the approval of Oyo- Ita’s retirement was without prejudice to the on-going investigations into certain allegations against her.
Buhari expressed his appreciation to the erstwhile HoSF for invaluable service to the nation and wished her well in all future endeavors.
It would be recalled that Oyo-Ita, in August 2019 tendered her resignation as the HoSF following reports of her grilling by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for alleged financial impropriety to the tune of over N3 billion emerged.
Her resignation letter was initially rejected by the president. Eventually, she was asked to proceed on an indefinite leave to allow for the conclusion of investigation being carried out by the anti-corruption agency.
She was finally suspended on September 18, 2019.
Meanwhile, the government announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Yemi-Esan as the substantive head of the civil service of the federation with effect from February 28, 2020 when she started working in acting capacity since Oyo- Ita went on indefinite leave.
Adekunle stated that the ratification of Yemi- Esan’s appointment as the substantive HoSF was in exercise of the powers vested in the President by Section 171 (2) (b); and in compliance with Sub-Sections (3) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
She had at various times, served in the office of the head of the civil service of the federation, federal ministries of information, education and petroleum resources.
The statement said the President charged Yemi-Esan to bring her wealth of experience to bear in the new position so that government could deliver on the priority areas of development already outlined.
Besides, she tasked her to make the stabilisation of the federal civil service top most on her agenda.
