Group Faults Online Report, Rallies Support For Aduda

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, May 28, (THEWILL) â€' A group under the aegis of the Committee of FCT Federal Appointees, Wednesday, raised the alarm over what it described as the campaign of calumny against the Director of Economic Research and Policy Management in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, whom it described as an illustrious and hardworking son of the Federal Capital Territory.

A statement issued by the Committee and jointly signed by Amb. Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, Executive Director EMS, Chairman and Alhaji Alhassan Sokodab, Commissioner FCT/Niger FCSC, Secretary, said: 'Our attention has been drawn to a sustained campaign of falsehood and distortion of facts aimed at discrediting the person and competence of Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Director of Economic Research and Policy Management in the Federal Ministry of Finance who is an illustrious and hardworking son of the Federal Capital Territory.'

The group stated further: 'This campaign is anchored by Premium Times, a so-called investigative medium which is being used as a tool by faceless and cowardly persons to attack the reputation of a brilliant young man with a strong track record of performance in both the public and private sectors.

'But we are certain that Premium Times and its sponsors will fail in their evil campaign because 'The truth shall prevail'.'

According to the statement, 'In its baseless and malicious reports, Premium Times, under the guise of 'investigative journalism', had alleged that Gabriel Aduda is undeserving of his position as a Director in the Federal Civil Service because: The only work experience he has is his work with PHCN. That he is only privileged because he is the son of the current senator representing the FCT As well as alleged failure of some exam while in the employ of the EFCC amongst others.'

Describing the allegations as false and without any substance whatsoever,the group faulted the Premium Times report as it maintained that 'Aduda has NEVER been a staff of PHCN. The Senator representing the FCT is his immediate elder brother GTA voluntarily resigned from the EFCC after four years of meritorious service. It is also on record that he emerged one of the top performers in the recruitment process that led to his current appointment. This was not unexpected. At the age of 29 in 2009, Gabriel Aduda had been appointed a Commissioner (Executive Member) of ICPC by President Olusegun Obasanjo, a position in which he served competently for four years.'

According to the statement, 'As those familiar with his antecedents and pedigree would confirm, GTA is a worthy professional who has left deep and positive footprints in all the organisations and initiatives that he has been part of. He is, without any doubt, a high performer and achiever eminently qualified for his current position in the Federal Civil Service.'

The Committee said: 'We are very proud of the achievements of Gabriel Tanimu Aduda who stands far taller than many of his contemporaries and we pray that God will yet take him to greater heights in life and service to our dear fatherland, Nigeria.

'The Federal Capital Territory has for so many years been marginalised in almost every sphere of human development. The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan deserves commendation for recognising the need to integrate competent sons and daughters of the FCT into the system. We are proud that a deserving son of the FCT has been given an opportunity to contribute to national development.

'We shall therefore resist this sponsored effort to tarnish the reputation of GTA not just because he is our son but because, given his antecedents and track record, it is the right thing to do.'