Fresh controversy has emerged over the leadership of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) following claims that its former Executive Secretary, Dr Dakorinama Alabo George, continues to occupy the office months after his resignation.
The development has raised questions about compliance with a presidential directive issued in March, which required ministers and political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions by 31 March 2026.
Dr George, who had been appointed Executive Secretary of the BCDA, stepped down from the role after indicating his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Rivers State.
Shortly after his resignation, the Presidency announced the appointment of former House of Representatives spokesman, Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas, as his replacement in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
However, political developments took a different turn when Dr George later withdrew from the APC governorship race, reportedly in support of another aspirant, Kingsley Chinda.
Despite the official announcement naming Namdas as Executive Secretary, reports have alleged that Dr George returned to the agency and has continued to occupy the office, fuelling uncertainty over who is in charge of the federal agency.
The claims have sparked debate over whether due process was followed and whether a political appointee who has formally resigned can resume office without a fresh presidential appointment.
Mr Onanuga has maintained publicly that Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas remains the substantive Executive Secretary of the BCDA, reinforcing the Presidency’s earlier announcement.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement from the Presidency or the Border Communities Development Agency addressing the reports that Dr George is still operating from the office.
The conflicting claims have intensified scrutiny over appointments within the federal government and renewed calls for greater transparency in the implementation of presidential directives.
