Tinubu Revokes Appointment of 24-Year-Old FERMA Chairman - An Unprecedented Move

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced in a statement that the president has revoked the appointment.

"The President's withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is effective immediately. This directive does not affect other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA," the statement read.

The appointment of the 24-year-old recent graduate had elicited mixed reactions across the country.

While some Nigerians praised President Tinubu for the appointment, others criticized him.

Those who disagreed with the appointment argued that Imam lacked the experience and expertise to lead such a strategic organization.

The few that supported the appointment noted that the young man would learn on the job.

Here are some comments from social media:

@Haslawal87 said: "Appointing a fresh graduate with no work experience to such a high position is absolutely ill-advised."

@fine_stefany1 wrote: "He will learn on the job."

@kennyNuga: "This appointment is not worth it. A fresh graduate to oversee the entire FERMA board. Absolutely unworthy."

@Dipo_Bello: "This doesn't seem right. We want young for young-appropriate roles. This role seems like it requires a lot of experience. A board member could be more suited to him."

@aminsaad: "Political expediency should not be a factor in making appointments where experience and expertise could be called upon. Ferma is all about construction. An experienced civil engineer could make a better choice. True, the mechanical engineer could as well apply his knowledge to ensure the agency's heavy equipment is in top shape. Those in authority should prioritize expertise and experience to make the country work. These two are essential commodities for any struggling economy like ours."

@peng_writer opined: "This is not as good as people make it seem. Not in any way undermining the young man, but he's not ready for this job. Apart from the fact that he doesn't have any experience in public work, he hasn't displayed any expertise in field work as it relates to Nigeria's terrain."

@JALLO71424757: "This is an absolutely silly appointment!"

@adamsaleemm: "It's good to see young and vibrant people in positions of authority. Despite his inexperience, which raises ethical concerns, he could be the catalyst for the transformation we have longed for. May Allah grant him wisdom and strength to fulfill his duties."

@AtahiruAbdulka1: "NYSC completed in 2022. Congratulations to you, but if it were me or another common Nigerian, they would ask for 5 to 10 years of working experience. I know that God will surely judge us all."

On another platform, someone wrote: "His father is currently the chairman of the board of the TETFund. That's not even the issue. Yes, it is good to appoint youths into positions of responsibility. Nonetheless, appointing a fresh graduate, with no relevant experience, to such a sensitive position is ill-advised. The truth is that Tinubu doesn't seem to be getting it right with appointments made so far."