Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has been fingered in surreptitious plan to destabilize the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a parastatal under his ministry.
The leadership of Northern Minority Group Right Group in a statement which was signed by Barr. Liasu Mohammed and sent to CAPITAL POST, on Sunday says that, some Directors held a meeting with the former acting Director General of the agency Dr. Francis Chizea Dubem with the blessing of the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu to stage a violent protest at the agency on Monday.
The plot was part of concerted effort to frustrate the appointment of Dr Halilu Shabba, who wasn’t the candidate of the Minister, has met all the necessary criteria and adequately vetted by security agencies in readiness for appointment as DG.
The group wondered how a serving minister would support and finance protests through a third party against a Parastatal under his supervision.
“It is no longer news that, Dr. Chizea has developed a well calculated plan to destabilize NARSDA through exploiting the democratic exercise of right to protest; in the process, unleashing thugs to cause mayhem”, the statement noted.
The group claimed that it uncovered plot as a result of some vested interest.
“This is to instigate an Hobessian style of breakdown of law and order in the National Space Research and Development Agency NARSDA on Monday.
“It’s unfortunate that Dr. Chizea has mobilized thugs and militia groups to cause a break down of law and order in the space agency environment.
“The keystone of the plot is to instigate protest, mass action and violence with a view to causing anarchy in the short run and in the long run, to destabilise the ongoing confirmation of Dr. Halilu Shabba by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
“The long time goal is to embarrass the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and possibly destroy some sensitive equipments that government has invested scarce resource into.
The Northern Minority Right group laments that this appointment that is strictly based on merit and status is being politicized by a man who has become too desperate to understand the law that guides the activities of the research development agency.
Accordingly, these predetermined actions have been designed to take place simultaneously from Monday and throughout the week with the scheduled venue to be the National Assembly complex and the Obasanjo Space Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua express way, Lugbe, Abuja.
According to Barr. Liasu, the planned protest is aimed at creating an impression that Dr. Shabba is not a popular choice among the staff of the space agency. In his desperation, Dr. Francis Chizea has gone has far as promising some staff of the agency geometrical promotion and posting into juicy departments.
“Dr. Chizea also promised some staff studies leave abroad should his sinister motive is actualized.
“Considering the implications of these on public safety and national security, the Northern group wishes to warn Dr. Francis Chizea Dubem and his those elements responsible for the plots to desist from their inglorious acts.
Consequently, the labour union and security men in that agency are advised to rein in their staff and enjoin them not to allow themselves to be used as a pawn in furtherance of personal aspiration.
“The group also want to explore this medium to inform the security agencies of their constitutional responsibility to be at alert and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the confirmation of Dr. Halilu Shabba.
