Director-General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr. Yau Idris
A public affairs analyst and governance advocate, Comrade Idowu Mustapha, has dismissed allegations that the Director-General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr. Yau Idris, deliberately frustrated the promotion of a senior staff member, describing the claims as misleading and inconsistent with the procedures governing the Federal Civil Service.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, Comrade Mustapha said promotions in the NNRA are regulated by the Public Service Rules, approved establishment structure, availability of vacancies and approvals by the appropriate authorities, including the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
He said it was incorrect to suggest that the Director-General has the legal authority to single-handedly promote an officer or reject directives from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“The Director-General does not possess unilateral powers to promote officers or arbitrarily deny anyone promotion. Such processes are governed by extant Public Service Rules and involve several statutory procedures. It is therefore misleading to personalise what is essentially an institutional process,” he said.
Mustapha described Dr. Yau Idris as a seasoned administrator whose public service career has been built on integrity, professionalism and strict adherence to due process.
According to him, the NNRA boss has earned respect within the public service for his transparent leadership style, commitment to accountability and respect for constituted authority.
“Those who have worked with Dr. Yau Idris know him as a man of impeccable character who believes in due process, fairness and the rule of law. Throughout his years in public service, he has
demonstrated discipline, transparency and respect for institutional procedures.
“It would be unfair to portray him as someone who acts outside the law without credible evidence,” Ibrahim added.
He further noted that the issues surrounding the promotion of the officer are already before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which has concluded its hearings and is expected to issue its findings.
He urged the media and members of the public to allow the legislative process to run its course instead of reaching conclusions before the committee releases its report.
“The principles of fairness and natural justice demand that all parties be heard. We should avoid publications capable of prejudicing an ongoing process or damaging the reputation of public officials without a final determination by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
