Written By: Ochoga E. Ochoga,PhD
It is with a sense of responsibility that I respond to the recent publication by one Mr. Dauda Ismail in Aljazirah online newspaper, where he leveled unfounded allegations against the person of the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono.
Ordinarily, such a piece, replete with inaccuracies and driven by malice, would not merit a response. However, for the sake of informing the Nigerian public and dispelling potential misinformation, it is necessary to address these spurious claims.
To begin with, Arc. Sonny Echono has an impeccable record of public service, marked by diligence, integrity, and a commitment to the development of Nigeria’s educational sector. It is these attributes that earned him the trust and confidence of the federal government, culminating in his appointment as the Executive Secretary of TETFund.
Mr. Ismail’s allegation that over 1,000 civil society organizations (CSOs) have petitioned against the ES and that over 100 CSOs were hired to amplify these claims is as ludicrous as it is unfounded. Such a claim not only lacks evidence but also defies common sense. Nigeria does not even have such a staggering number of active CSOs, making this assertion a clear fabrication designed to mislead and incite public sentiment.
The accusation that TETFund spends funds outside budgetary allocations further highlights the baselessness of Mr. Ismail’s claims. TETFund operates under strict adherence to budgetary and statutory provisions, with periodic oversight by the National Assembly’s relevant committees and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. If any mismanagement of funds existed, it would have been flagged by these oversight bodies, which have consistently endorsed the prudent financial management of TETFund.
Furthermore, the writer demonstrates ignorance of TETFund’s operations by insinuating that the organization awards contracts. For clarity, TETFund provides intervention funds to tertiary institutions, and the responsibility for awarding contracts lies squarely with the governing councils of these institutions. This fundamental misunderstanding of TETFund’s mandate and operations underscores the frivolity of Mr. Ismail’s piece.
In his desperate attempt to malign the ES, Mr. Ismail further claims that over 300 million CSOs have petitioned against the ES—a number that far exceeds the population of Nigeria! This outrageous claim exposes the writer’s lack of credibility and the unserious nature of his accusations.
It is regrettable that Aljazirah newspaper chose to lend its platform to such an unprofessional and malicious piece. By doing so, the publication has unwittingly participated in a campaign of calumny against a man of proven integrity and commitment to national service.
Mr. Ismail’s article is nothing more than a poorly executed hatchet job, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Arc. Sonny Echono for the benefit of his benefactors. It is a futile effort, as those who value integrity, accountability, and prudence in public service can easily see through these baseless allegations.
Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, and it is disheartening to see individuals engaging in smear campaigns to undermine leaders who are working tirelessly to contribute to national development. Arc. Sonny Echono, a man of integrity and dedication, remains focused on his mandate at TETFund, contributing to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Let it be known that attempts to unjustly tarnish the image of Arc. Sonny Echono will not succeed. Nigerians are discerning and will not be swayed by baseless allegations devoid of evidence or substance.
2/12/24
