Tinubu's SGF, Akume, Accused of Shielding ‘Unqualified’ Ex-Chief Justice Mahmud’s Son As Upper Benue River Basin Agency MD

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is blocking the removal of Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed as the Managing Director of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority following the controversy generated by his appointment, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Mahmud, the son of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, who served from 2014 to 2016, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated October 3, 2024 and signed by Akume.

SaharaReporters had reported how Mahmud’s appointment came as a surprise and was met with indignation because the 35-year-old geography graduate did not satisfy key legal requirements for the position.

The appointment of Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed contravenes COREN Amendment Act 2018 (Section 19. Miscellaneous supplementary provision 1-4) and other Relevant Laws, which requires the managing director to possess relevant qualifications.

“Subject to the following provisions of this section, a person shall not hold an appointment requiring status as a registered engineering practitioner under this Act in the public service of the Federation or State or in the armed forces of the Federation or private sector, unless he is an engineer registered under this Act,” Section 19 of COREN Amendment Act 2018 states.

SaharaReporters learnt that Mahmud holds a degree in geography, a postgraduate diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, as well as a master’s degree in disaster and risk management and development studies, all from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

However, sources in the commission insist that he must have an engineering degree to hold the position as stated in the COREN Act.

Sources told SaharaReporters that top officials from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had written to the minister, Engineer Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to review the appointment of Mahmud.

Despite these suggestions, sources said SGF Akume has directed the minister to dismiss requests for the removal of the son of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The SGF insisted that Mahmud should remain as MD of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority because of his relationship with his father.

According to one of the sources, Akume said Mahmud should continue despite allegations that he did not merit the appointment based on law and administrative experience.

“Top officers of the ministry are also against the appointment of Mahmud because he doesn’t have the required qualifications. Last Friday, the permanent secretary even secretly wrote to the minister, recommending the removal of Mahmud but the minister is under pressure by Akume who told him to let the issue slide,” a source in the ministry told SaharaReporters.

The source added that the 35-year-old geography graduate is confident that he will remain in office because of Akume’s backing and he is preparing to resume his duty officially on Wednesday.

“Despite issues about his qualifications, Mahmud is not bothered because of Akume’s assurance. He is to resume on Wednesday officially but surprisingly he was at the ministry today (Tuesday) to attend a workshop organised by the World Bank in collaboration with the ministry,” the source added.

Sources said some top people in the government are also not happy about Mahmud’s appointment but their concerns on the issues have failed to reach President Tinubu because of Akume.

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