Tinubu revokes appointment of 24-year-old FERMA board chairman after public outcry

Bola Tinubu has revoked the nomination of 24-year-old Engr. Imam Kashim Imam as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson made this known in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Imam’s appointment was announced on Friday, Oct. 13.  The president appointed the 24-year-old “for a renewable term of four (4) years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007”.

The appointment generated concerns, with many saying he lacked the requisite experience for the job.

Following the reactions, Ngelale said the nomination has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Although no reason was given by the presidency for the decision, Ngelale said all other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

“The President’s withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.

“All other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.”