By Unegbu Ozo Eze
In a recent and highly controversial move, Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntola, FNSE, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has issued a letter challenging the appointment of the new Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). This move has been met with widespread criticism, as it appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine President Tinubu’s authority and manipulate the appointment process for personal and political gain.
In her letter, Mrs. Oguntola stated: “We humbly urge Mr. President to kindly rescind this appointment and select a certified Water Engineer… in this regard we offer assistance in identifying and recommending suitable candidates.” This statement is not merely a suggestion but a clear attempt at blackmail. Mrs. Oguntola’s proposal to rescind the appointment and replace the new DG with a candidate of her choosing reflects a deeper agenda to impose a preferred individual who would perpetuate the systemic inefficiencies and corruption that have plagued NIHSA for years.
Such tactics are not only a blatant disregard for the democratic process but also a serious affront to the President’s efforts to reform the agency. The new DG’s appointment was a strategic decision aimed at addressing the agency’s longstanding issues of inefficiency and corruption. Previous Directors-General, who were predominantly water engineers, are now facing corruption charges in various courts—a testament to their failure to bring about meaningful change.
The role of the DG at NIHSA does not involve operating machinery or conducting laboratory tests but rather overseeing the day-to-day management of the agency. The new DG’s background as an Architect and environmentalist positions him well to lead the agency effectively, focusing on strategic oversight rather than direct technical tasks.
Mrs. Oguntola’s attempt to politicize the appointment process and her clear attempt to discredit the President’s decision reveal a troubling disregard for the principles of effective governance and reform. Her actions have brought the NSE into disrepute and exposed her as being more concerned with political maneuvering than with supporting genuine institutional improvement.
Given her involvement in these manipulative tactics and her apparent failure to uphold the apolitical integrity of the NSE, Mrs. Oguntola is no longer fit to serve as President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Her continued tenure only serves to further discredit the Society and undermine its respected position. If Mrs. Oguntola has any honor, she should resign from her position immediately to restore the integrity of the NSE and allow the organization to refocus on its core mission of advancing engineering excellence without political interference.
As the situation develops, it is crucial for all stakeholders and the public to recognize the real motives behind such political gamesmanship and to support efforts aimed at genuine and lasting reform. The new DG’s appointment should be viewed as a necessary step towards revitalizing NIHSA and addressing its systemic problems, rather than an opportunity for political exploitation.
Unegbu Ozo Eze is a staff member of NIHSA.
