The appointment of Michael Achimugu as the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection in Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has drawn condemnation from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
Achimugu, an ex-aide of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and self-acclaimed whistleblower, was among the 46 new directors announced by Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. His appointment has sparked controversy due to his previous accusations against Atiku Abubakar.
The allegations and counter-accusations between Achimugu and Atiku reached a peak when the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council called for Atiku’s arrest, citing evidence of alleged abuse of office during his vice presidency. Despite the accusations, Achimugu has now been appointed by the new administration.
The Peoples Democratic Party expressed shock at the appointment, criticizing the ruling APC government for lacking integrity and disregard for the Nigerian people’s consciousness. The party alleged that the appointment reflects the level of desperation within the APC.
Similarly, the Labour Party’s Chief Spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, accused the current government of sacrificing transparency and accountability for nepotism and impunity. He expressed concern that such actions are driving frustrated Nigerians out of the country.
The views were echoed by legal practitioner Daniel Bwala, who serves as a spokesman for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council. Bwala criticized Keyamo for allegedly rewarding a “blackmailer” with the appointment and accused the government of making appointments based on political affiliations.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the minister and his media aide were unsuccessful, and as of the time of reporting, they had not responded to inquiries about Achimugu’s appointment. Nonetheless, the aviation ministry has officially announced Achimugu as the new Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
In the statement released by the ministry, it highlighted Achimugu’s history as a media consultant for multiple presidential candidates and his previous role as Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation.
