Mahmud, the son of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed who served from 2014 to 2016, was appointed by the President in a letter dated October 3, 2024 and signed by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The appointment letter stated that the former Chief Justice’s son is expected to serve as Managing Director of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority for an initial period of four years.
“This appointment is with effect from 27th September, 2024 and your emoluments and other conditions of service shall be as provided under the “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2008,” the appointment letter added.
However, sources from the commission who spoke to SaharaReporters said Mahmud’s appointment came as a surprise and was met with indignation because the 35-year-old geography graduate did not meet a key legal requirement for the position.
The appointment of Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed contravenes COREN Amendment Act 2018 (Section 19. Miscellaneous supplementary provision 1-4) and other Relevant Laws, which requires the Managing Director to possess relevant qualifications.
“Subject to the following provisions of this section, a person shall not hold an appointment requiring status as a registered engineering practitioner under this Act in the public service of the Federation or State or in the armed forces of the Federation or private sector, unless he is an engineer registered under this Act,” Section 19 of COREN Amendment Act 2018 states.
SaharaReporters learnt that Mahmud holds a degree in geography, a postgraduate diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, as well as a master’s degree in disaster and risk management and development studies, all from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
However, sources in the commission insist that he must have an engineering degree to hold the position as stated in the COREN Act.
“Mahmud studied geography at Ahmadu Bello University a few years ago and he has not at any time been qualified to practise as an engineer. But the President still went ahead to appoint him even though the law disqualifies a person like him,” a source privy to the situation told SaharaReporters.
In addition to his academic disqualification, sources in the organisation accused Mahmud of lacking the administrative experience to lead an important agency such as the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, which is statutorily responsible for water resource development, flood and erosion control in the northern part of the country.
“He has never held any public office before. His only CV is that he is a son of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria and that was what gave him the appointment,” one of the sources said.
The source continued: “Those in government just want to destroy this great agency. Imagine this is coming at a time when the country is facing a serious flood issue, like what happened in Maiduguri recently.”
Another source from the agency added: “Mr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed’s inexperience and lack of expertise will hinder the organisation’s ability to deliver effective services.
“The engineering organisation’s projects and services impact public safety; Mr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed’s lack of leadership qualification poses a risk to the public.
“His appointment undermines the credibility and integrity of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola.”
Sources also told SaharaReporters that Mahmud’s appointment was masterminded by the SGF, Akume, who had a close relationship with his father.
Mahmud is not the first person whose appointment by Tinubu was followed by criticisms.
Recently, the appointment of 24-year-old Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam as board chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was followed by harsh criticism from some Nigerians who argued that Imam, though a first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University in the UK, has no prior work experience.
Mr. Kashim Imam’s appointment was consequently withdrawn by the President.