President Muhammadu Buhari has cleared three Permanent Secretaries; Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele and Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, who have been under investigation since November 2015 of corruption.
Buhari subsequently directed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation not to terminate their appointment.
Director, Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Lawrence Ojabo said the President gave the directive while considering the recommendations of the Federal Service Management Committee and that of the SGF.
However, Bamidele recently retired from the service upon the attainment of the mandatory age of 60 years.
Ojabo said the careers of the remaining two PS, Mrs. Odusote and Mrs. Ejele should not be terminated on account of the unproven allegation until they are due for retirement.
“In his magnanimity and compassion, Mr. President’s directive has now brought to closure the uncertainties surrounding the careers of the permanent secretaries,” he said adding that “the Presidential clean bill for the top civil servants is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that no government employee is unduly victimized on account of frivolous allegations and petitions”.
The three permanent secretaries ran into trouble when Buhari came into office as they were investigated over alleged misappropriation of funds in their respective ministries.
The duo have been on suspension since 2015.