By our correspondence.
A leadership dispute at the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP) has sparked concern among staff and stakeholders, raising broader questions about due process, public administration, and adherence to the Plateau State Civil Service Rules.
According to staff members and union representatives, disagreements have emerged over the leadership of PADP following moves to appoint a substantive Programme Manager. Some employees allege that the Acting Programme Manager has been asked to relinquish his position in favour of Mr. Paul Davou, a retired civil servant currently serving as Technical Assistant to the NG-CARES Programme.
Those expressing concern argue that the proposed transition may not align with the Plateau State Civil Service Rules, which they say require acting appointments to be occupied by the most senior eligible officer within the organization. That interpretation of the rules has not been independently verified.
Staff representatives further allege that the Acting Programme Manager has come under pressure to vacate the office before the matter is formally resolved. They say the development has created uncertainty within the agency and prompted the staff union to urge members to remain calm while calling for strict adherence to established procedures.
The dispute has reportedly been compounded by meetings involving senior government officials concerning the Programme’s leadership. Stakeholders supporting the Acting Programme Manager argue that any change in leadership should be carried out transparently and in accordance with applicable civil service regulations.
The controversy has also attracted attention because, according to several stakeholders, members of the Plateau State House of Assembly had advised that the existing administrative arrangement be maintained pending the resolution of issues surrounding the substantive appointment. That position could not be independently confirmed at the time of publication.
Separately, the Acting Programme Manager is reportedly facing official inquiries over the distribution of agricultural seeds under a government-supported programme. Individuals familiar with the matter allege that the seeds were distributed after concerns were raised that delays could result in the planting materials becoming unusable as the farming season progressed.
Supporters of the Acting Programme Manager contend that the distribution was carried out in the interest of farmers and to prevent waste. They further allege that the decision has since become the subject of administrative and legal scrutiny, including requests for a detailed account of the seed distribution process. The officials overseeing the inquiries have not publicly commented on the matter.
Others, however, argue that accountability for public resources is a fundamental principle of public service and that any investigation into the management of government programmes should be allowed to proceed in accordance with the law and established procedures.
The leadership dispute has generated wider debate among agricultural stakeholders about the importance of balancing administrative oversight with compliance with civil service rules and institutional independence.
Many stakeholders are calling for an impartial and transparent resolution of the matter, emphasizing that any decision on the leadership of PADP should be guided by the law, respect due process, and safeguard public confidence in one of Plateau State’s key agricultural institutions.
As of the time of publication, the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of the Head of Service, NG-CARES management, and the individuals named in connection with the dispute had not publicly responded to the allegations. Their responses will be included if and when they become available.
