Buhari Replaces Head Of Service, Kifasi with Winifred Oyo-Ita

Following the removal of Mr Dalandi Kifasi yesterday as Head of Civil Service of the Federation by President Muhammadu Buhari, the president has replaced him with Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, current Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology.
Oyo-Ita, is 51 years old.

Kifasi is said to be due for his retirement on January, 1, 2016 when he will clock 60.
His last day in service would have been December 31, 2015, and he would have proceeded on three months pre-retirement leave since the beginning of October, if he were to observe his terminal leave.

It was gathered that the new Head of Service, who is a chartered accountant, from Cross River State, is to be there in an acting capacity, though the office does not require Senate approval but a direct presidential appointment.

There have been speculations that President Buhari might consider retiring all permanent secretaries that have spent more than four years considered to be the end of the first tenure.

Permanent Secretaries are entitled to two terms of eight years only under the tenure regime the Umaru Yar’Adua administration put in place in 2009.

By Patrick Aigbokhan