A group, Safety Awareness Initiative has described those seeking the retirement of the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Joseph Anebi as uniformed.
The group argued that, while it is true the CG was due for retirement, the federal government is vested with the power to extend his tenure.
In a statement issued in Lagos by its spokesman, Anthony Nwajei, the group cited recent similar cases involving a Permanent Secretary in the federal ministry of petroleum resources, Jamila Shu’ara.
The group noted that CG Anebi has recorded uncommon achievements in office and deserves to stay back for a few months to see to reality some strategic ongoing projects he conceived.
‘’According to the Public Service Rules number 100238, Shu’ara retired on February 17,2016 after attaining the age of 60. However, the federal government, after reviewing her outstanding performance in the civil service extended her tenure in office for another year till February 2017,.Hence, we are therefore urging the government to extend similar gesture to Anebi, so he could see to reality some major policy intiatives of his administration at the Federal Fire Service.’’
‘’Since assumption of office on December 2014, as the Controller General, the service has responded to 1, 033 fire incidents and saved property worth ₦178 billion across the country.
‘’Anebi has also expanded operational commands to Katsina, Enugu, Minna, Makurdi, Yola, Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Uni-Jos, Owerri, Delta and Edo to enhance service delivery and establish federal presence at the state level.
‘’The list of his uncommon achievements include the sealing of an agreement for public/private partnership with a firm, S.W Global to enhance revenue generation of the service, strengthening of the existing committees within the service, purchase and commission of 23 new fire fighting vehicles, 15 water tankers, two lorries, one Coaster bus and six operational vehicles, recruitment and training of 621 officers and men, elongation of the inspectorate Cadre from Compass 12 to Compass 14, and proper placement of stagnated staff members among others.’’
