Lawyer Questions Silas Agara’s Return as NDE Director-General, Seeks Clarification from Tinubu

A legal dispute has emerged over the return of Silas Agara to lead Nigeria’s National Directorate of Employment (NDE), with a rights lawyer calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly explain the legal basis for the development.

Barrister Danladi Azizi, a legal practitioner and human rights advocate, said the circumstances surrounding Agara’s return to office deserve public clarification, arguing that the issue goes beyond politics and touches on transparency, constitutional procedure, and public administration.

In a statement released on Thursday, Azizi questioned whether Agara’s return followed the proper legal process after the former NDE Director-General reportedly resigned his position to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Questions Raised Over Legal Process

According to Azizi, appointments to head federal government agencies are regulated by law and cannot simply resume after resignation without a fresh appointment process where required.

He maintained that the public has not been informed of any official decision by President Tinubu reappointing Agara to the position after he stepped down to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket in Nasarawa State.

The lawyer argued that once a resignation from a statutory public office is accepted, the appointment effectively ends unless a new appointment is made through the appropriate legal procedure.

He therefore urged the Presidency to clarify whether Agara received a formal reappointment letter before resuming his duties.

Background to the Controversy

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu directed political appointees intending to seek elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions before participating in party primaries.

Silas Agara subsequently vacated his role as Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment in compliance with that directive while pursuing the APC senatorial ticket in Nasarawa State.

Following the outcome of the party’s nomination process, Agara reportedly returned to the NDE as Director-General, a move that has now triggered legal questions over whether the necessary constitutional and administrative procedures were followed.

Why the Issue Matters

The debate extends beyond one government appointment and highlights broader concerns about governance and accountability within Nigeria’s public service.

Legal experts often note that statutory appointments differ from ordinary employment because they are created and governed by legislation. As a result, any resignation, removal, or reappointment is generally expected to comply with established legal procedures.

If left unexplained, the situation could generate wider questions about how appointments to federal agencies are managed and whether existing rules are being consistently applied.

Lawyer Demands Official Explanation

Azizi challenged the Presidency to provide answers to several key questions, including:

• Whether President Tinubu formally reappointed Silas Agara after his resignation.
• Whether an official letter of reappointment exists.
• Why no public announcement has been made if such a reappointment took place.
• Under what legal authority Agara resumed office if no formal reappointment was issued.

According to the lawyer, providing a clear explanation would strengthen public confidence in government institutions and demonstrate adherence to due process.

What Happens Next?

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the National Directorate of Employment had publicly responded to the concerns raised by Barrister Danladi Azizi.

It remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will issue an official statement clarifying Agara’s legal status or whether the matter could attract further legal or administrative scrutiny in the coming days.