A foremost civil society organization, Network Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative, has demanded the immediate removal and probe of Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar as Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), over allegations of corruption, contract splitting, nepotism, incompetence, and breach of public trust.

At a press conference in Abuja, the group presented a detailed dossier outlining the allegations against Dr. Bukar, including corruption, embezzlement, bribery, and mismanagement of public resources. They also accused him of appointing unqualified family members and associates to key positions and failing to deliver on the Agency’s mandate despite significant funding.

The group’s Director, Amb. Austine Peacemaker, diring a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, said, “We will not stand idly by while public officials betray the trust placed in them. We demand accountability and transparency in government, and we expect the President and the National Assembly to take immediate action.”

Austine challenged that given the level and implications of the allegations in the agency, If Dr. Bukar is not held accountable, it will undermine the credibility of the Agency and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and the government’s commitment to enhance and promote transparency and accountability. It will also embolden other public officials to engage in corrupt practices, further eroding public trust in government and its agencies.

He noted that a letter was duly addressed to the government on the said matter, and the group expects an action. It also reiterated that an ultimatum of seven-day has been issued to remove Dr. Bukar and initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations. If their demands are not met, they have vowed to organize a public march to the Ministry of Environment and NAGGW to press for justice and accountability.

This development comes as a blow to the Great Green Wall Initiative, a flagship program of the Nigerian government aimed at combating desertification and land degradation. The allegations against Dr. Bukar have raised questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public offices.

The government has yet to respond to the demands, but sources indicate that an investigation might be underway. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of the Great Green Wall Initiative and the government’s efforts to address environmental degradation and poverty in Nigeria.

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