I have taken note of the response issued on August 2, 2025, by one Dr. Muhammad bn Ibrahim to my earlier rejoinder defending the...
I have taken note of the response issued on August 2, 2025, by one Dr. Muhammad bn Ibrahim to my earlier rejoinder defending the leadership of the Director General of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam. Although I respect everyone's right to voice issues, I must express regret for the content, and intent of the response, which come off as more of a personal grudge than a sincere attempt to better the institution.
Indeed, my first rejoinder did not address every allegation point by point not out of fear or ignorance, but out of principle. A petition so riddled with half-truths and speculative claims does not deserve to dictate the tone of a responsible public response. If you want any clarifications on any specific issue, I have no doubt that the records will back up the DG and his leadership if you follow proper channel.
To be clear, this has nothing to do with Anas Ibrahim. This is about recognizing and protecting the integrity of a leader who is trying to restore a long neglected institution under trying conditions. The continuous smear effort simply serves to confirm my suspicion that these coordinated attacks are the result of powerful interests who fear reform.
It is important to point out that the so called Concerned Citizens of Zazzau is neither a registered group nor one with known leadership or address. If your intentions are sincere and rooted in patriotism, why hide your identity? Transparency begins with the accuser. This is clearly a sponsored campaign driven by fear of change, not by love for NILEST. And with all due respect, is eight months truly enough time to pass judgment on a reform minded DG attempting to clean up years of institutional decay?
I extend an invitation to pertinent oversight organizations to visit NILEST and independently confirm ongoing improvements, which range from new partnerships with external organizations to support research and commercialization to the revitalization of laboratories and enhancements to ICT infrastructure. These are not fictitious, you may wish to go and verify.
Under Dr. Imam's direction, irregular personnel arrangements have been stopped, outmoded practices have been examined, and procurement procedures have come under closer inspection. This seems like a threat to people who are opposed to transparency. The reform is long overdue for people who care about progress.
Finally, I refuse to be intimidated into being quiet. The DG, myself, and any self appointed WATCHDOG are all smaller than NILEST. I must draw the line when criticism becomes a tool for character assassination, and when efforts to sanitize an institution are branded as misconduct. I welcome genuine scrutiny grounded in facts not veiled threats or political theatre. Let us rise above personal grudges and allow National interest to prevail.
Anas Ibrahim
contactanas001@gmail.com
3rd August 2025.
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