Fresh controversy has engulfed the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as phantom labour groups have renewed attacks against its leadership. A well-placed management source disclosed that phantom unions wage ethnic war against the Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike.
The source revealed that the latest calls for Anosike’s removal allegedly emanated from unknown individuals parading under union banners. However, when contacted by management, all recognized unions within NiMet denied ever demanding the sacking of the Director General.
According to the source, “We discussed with all unions after seeing the reports. They categorically denied making any such demand for Professor Anosike’s removal.”
Since his appointment in December 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Anosike has faced coordinated challenges. These challenges mainly stem from lingering legacy issues inherited from past administrations.
Earlier this year, union agitation led to a strike, which was suspended following the intervention of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Even after peace was brokered, the attempts to destabilize the agency’s leadership have continued unabated.
The management source stressed, “These faceless elements are using fabricated reports and falsely attributing demands to legitimate unions to create unrest.”
Records show that under Professor Anosike’s leadership, NiMet has made significant progress. His administration has enhanced digital compliance and prioritized staff welfare and capacity development.
In August 2024, the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (JAC) publicly praised Anosike’s efforts. A media statement issued on August 12, 2024, signed by Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, highlighted the Director General’s commitment to improving worker welfare.
The statement read, “This significant action has greatly alleviated the financial challenges faced by our workforce. We commend Professor Anosike’s leadership.”
Despite these positive strides, a small group allegedly seeks to undermine his achievements for ethnic and personal reasons. According to the well-placed source, “Some individuals feel aggrieved that an Igbo man is leading NiMet successfully. They are bent on sowing discord.”
“These campaigns are not about performance but about misplaced ethnic sentiments,” the source added.
Further findings suggest that false narratives are being spread through obscure platforms to create confusion within the agency. However, the source insisted that **phantom unions wage ethnic war** in a bid to destabilize the system.
“President Tinubu appointed Professor Anosike purely based on merit, and he has exceeded expectations in less than two years,” the source said.
Industry observers have criticized the alleged ethnic campaign, stressing that competence, not ethnicity, should be the guiding principle in federal appointments. They maintain that NiMet’s continued progress depends on stable and visionary leadership.
“Professor Anosike remains committed to repositioning NiMet as a world-class agency,” the source concluded. “He should not be distracted by parochial sentiments.”
As NiMet advances critical reforms, stakeholders urge all parties to support the leadership rather than stoke division at a crucial time.
