President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). This revelation came through a statement disseminated by the President’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, which surfaced last Saturday.
What They Are Saying
The appointment is not without its fair share of skepticism and raised eyebrows. Nigerians are questioning the rationale behind this decision, given the controversial nature of Tinubu’s tenure. Nevertheless, the President seems confident in Mr. Gbeleyi’s ability to navigate the complexities of the role.
According to Ngelale, Tinubu anticipates Gbeleyi to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to fortify the agency’s position as the focal point for capacity enhancement and the perpetuation of reforms. The overarching goal is to foster a competitive economy driven by the private sector.
Among the laundry list of expectations placed upon Mr. Gbeleyi is the mandate to uphold social accountability and ensure the judicious allocation of public funds. Additionally, he is tasked with championing effective corporate governance and instilling fiduciary discipline across both public and private domains.
Why It Matters
The newly appointed Director-General boasts an impressive résumé, adorned with accolades as a financial luminary and a distinguished chartered accountant. His affiliations include prestigious bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
Gbeleyi’s educational background further solidifies his credentials, having completed executive programs at esteemed institutions like the London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.
With over three decades of professional experience under his belt, spanning various sectors ranging from manufacturing to telecommunications, Gbeleyi’s tenure promises to be a dynamic one. Noteworthy among his previous roles is his stint as the Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and as the Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.
Bottom Line
Despite the official rhetoric touting Gbeleyi’s qualifications, the public remains apprehensive, wary of potential conflicts of interest and partisan inclinations.
