President Bola Tinubu has been urged to immediately sack Mathias Terwase Byuan, the Executive Director, Finance and Account, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) over gross misconduct and conflict of interest.
The Vanguards of Democracy and Public Peace (VODAPP) which made the appeal in a letter to the President dated March 7th also called for Byuan’s arrest and prosecution.
The letter signed by its coordinator Cosmos Okparaibe alleged that Byuan who “has no basic experience in neither accounting nor finance or any scintilla of academic training in the field” is already tainting President Tinubu’s hard-earned reputation.
The group further accused Byuan of diverting funds meant for the nation’s housing sector to his Benue governorship ambition and must be stopped before he empties the agency’s allocation.
“We feel obligated to bring to the notice of Mr. President that Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan has since his appointment, launched his campaign train for the 2027 Benue state governorship election, boasting that he has the war-chest of N126billion (being the money released to the FHA by the FG),” the letter said in part.
“Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan’s lack of basic education and experience must have led him to believe, erroneously, that the amount released for the provision of quality, affordable housing for Nigerians is meant for the prosecution of his ill-fated 2027 governorship election bid.
“It is also a huge conflict of interest that a man saddled with such huge responsibility by an administration that came on the threshold of renewing the waning hope of Nigerians, will appoint Mathias Byuan, a desperate politicians who only thinks of 2027 elections, to manage a cardinal sector that needs total dedication and commitment to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
“Your Excellency has proven within his very short term in office that he is a man that is unwaveringly dedicated to the obedience of the rule of law and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. The Electoral Act 2022, as amended, forbids any political campaigns, save for the off cycles elections, at this time.
“The president is therefore, urged to further demonstrate his strong commitment to the rule of law by sacking Mr. Byuan for embarking on the campaign for the 2027 governorship elections when it is illegal to do so. And when it serves as a clear sign that he does not have any interest to serve in his current capacity for the best interest of all Nigerians.
“It is also noteworthy here that Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, as an appointee of Mr. President, is working at cross-purposes with the president who is working tirelessly with his team to stem the tide of insecurity across the country by invading Benue state with armed thugs against a clear directive of the executive governor of Benue state, H.E Rev Father Dr. Hyacinth Alia.
“This breach of the directive of a Democratically elected governor, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer of the state, is an affront to the exalted office of the governor, a constituted authority, and a breach of public peace which Mr. Byuan must be held accountable for. Mr. President does not want to be seen to encourage his appointees to rise above the laws of the land. Or even attempt to destabilize a component unit of the country.
“They must lead by example, and at all times, replicate the good leadership virtues of Mr. President by obeying constituted authorities and not encouraging insecurity and crisis, particularly now that our security agencies are overstretched. “
