A civil society organisation, Nigerians for Good Governance (NGG), has criticised a Ghanaian online news outlet for publishing a misleading and defamatory report about the Permanent Secretary in the Health and Human Services department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Babagana Adam.
The NGG described the article as an affront to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and is urging the Federal Government to take action against the publication, which named Adam as a fraudulent veterinarian rather than a qualified medical professional.
The group noted that Adam was appointed based on the recommendation of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its coordinator, Mr. Felix Durumbah, and secretary-general, Malam Hafiz Abdullahi, NGG emphasized that it felt compelled to respond due to its commitment to promoting good governance and integrity.
They expressed their disbelief that a foreign outlet could spread such baseless accusations against an accomplished Nigerian official, especially one who has made significant contributions in his role.
The report in question, published by newsghana.com.gh on December 3, 2024, contained various unsubstantiated claims, which NGG has thoroughly debunked.
One claim alleged that Adam misled the FCT Minister into believing he was a medical doctor and spent over 400 million Naira to secure endorsements for his position.
The NGG condemned this as a strong misrepresentation, affirming Adam’s reputable career as a veterinary doctor with significant experience in different roles within the FCTA before his current appointment.
NGG questioned the journalistic standards of the Ghanaian outlet, suggesting that basic fact-checking would have clarified Adam’s qualifications.
They pointed out that Adam’s academic and professional history is publicly available and verifiable through numerous channels.
On the allegation of Adam spending 400 million Naira to secure his position, NGG dismissed it as absurd, emphasising that Dr. Adam has dedicated his career to public service and has never managed such funds.
Regarding claims of unresolved legal disputes during his tenure as Director of the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS), NGG expressed astonishment that the news outlet reported on legal matters without adequate investigation.
They clarified that Dr. Adam has never been personally involved in any cases and hence could not be responsible for resolving them.
The organisation also addressed accusations of illegal billboard approvals during Dr. Adam’s time at DOAS, asserting that their investigation revealed no such practices took place; instead, Dr. Adam was known for adhering strictly to official regulations.
NGG strongly refuted the claim that Dr. Adam’s tenure led to increased mortality rates in FCTA-owned hospitals, calling it defamatory and challenging the news outlet to provide evidence for such assertions.
They highlighted Dr. Adam’s efforts to revive the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), which has ensured that hospitals are adequately supplied with medication, ultimately saving lives.
Moreover, NGG noted that under Minister Wike’s leadership, new general hospitals are being constructed to enhance health services in the FCT.
As for the allegation regarding salary payments to Health and Human Services staff, an investigation by NGG found that locum staff were transitioned out as part of a restructuring to recruit permanent personnel. The FCT Treasury confirmed that all affected staff had received their due payments.
