The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has called on the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to reconsider the appointment of Shamseldeen Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation.

The group stressed the need for the HoS to preserve institutional reforms by ensuring that appointments to critical positions are based on merit, integrity, and transparency.

In a letter to the Head of Service signed by its Executive Director, Dauda Yakubu, on Tuesday, the group questioned Ogunjimi’s credentials, alleging inconsistencies in his academic and professional records.

President Bola Tinubu had in December 2024 appointed Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation.

Ogunjimi’s appointment came following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Oluwatoyin Madein, who retired on March 7.

While raising alarm over the participation of Babatunde Ogunjimi in the exercise for appointment of Accountant-General of the Federation, the organisation claimed that Ogunjimi’s academic trajectory raises significant questions, particularly his claim of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos within the same timeframe as his Bachelor’s Degree.

The group also expressed concerns over Ogunjimi’s professional certifications, which it claim lack practical application in his public service record.

The letter described his tenure as Director of Funds at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as underwhelming.

The group alleged that Ogunjimi’s career has been marred by allegations of inefficiency, poor performance, and financial impropriety.

It further claimed that his reliance on financial inducements to advance his career raises ethical concerns.

The group emphasised that the position of Accountant-General of the Federation is critical to the nation’s public trust and economic health, requiring the highest standards of scrutiny, merit, and ethical consideration.

It urged the Head of Service to reconsider Ogunjimi’s appointment and establish a transparent, merit-based process for selecting the next Accountant-General.

The group warned that appointing an individual with questionable credentials and integrity could jeopardize Nigeria’s financial stability and undermine public trust in government institutions.

“We believe that the integrity of Nigeria’s financial management system is too important to be compromised by an individual whose competence, integrity, and qualifications are in question,” the letter added.

“Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi’s appointment as Acting Accountant-General is a mistake that must be corrected to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s financial management system.

“We implore your office to act swiftly to guarantee that only the most capable, moral, and qualified applicants are taken into consideration for this position. The integrity of this process is crucial to Nigeria’s economic future and the confidence of its people.

“By doing these things, you will not only protect the AG-F office’s reputation but also strengthen public confidence in the government’s dedication to accountability and sound governance.

“We trust that you will give this letter the attention it deserves and act in the best interest of our nation.”