President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of 24-year-old Imam Kashim Imam, who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). The decision, as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, came amid criticism and concerns raised by Nigerians regarding Imam’s appointment.
In a statement titled ‘President Tinubu directs withdrawal of FERMA chairmanship nomination,’ Ngelale conveyed the withdrawal, noting that it was directed with immediate effect. President Tinubu had reconstituted the Governing Board and Management team of FERMA for a renewable four-year term on the preceding Friday. It was during this reconstitution that Imam’s appointment was announced.
Imam, a first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University in the UK, faced criticism due to a lack of prior work experience, which led to objections from the public. Although the Presidency did not immediately announce Imam’s replacement, the statement clarified that the withdrawal of his nomination would not affect other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA.
The decision to withdraw Imam’s nomination reflects the government’s response to public feedback and underscores the significance of relevant experience and qualifications in such appointments.