The purported call for the removal of the director-general and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, allegedly by a phantom group known as the “NiMet workers of the Joint Action Congress (JAC),” has once again revealed the ethnic and political agenda of fifth columnists determined to destabilise the agency.
These faceless elements, insiders say, are bent on making NiMet ungovernable for Anosike in hopes of forcing his ouster.
Since his appointment in December 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, Anosike has faced an array of challenges, most stemming from longstanding legacy issues that predated his leadership. Opportunistic detractors have seized on these unresolved problems, weaponising them through union threats and orchestrated strikes. Their most recent move – a fabricated statement calling for his removal – has been thoroughly discredited, as no recognised labour union within NiMet has issued such a demand.
Science Nigeria understands that under Anosike’s leadership, NiMet has undergone remarkable transformation. In less than two years, he has turned the agency into a digitally compliant, modern weather and climate forecast institution. His administration has prioritised staff training, welfare and modernisation efforts, earning him genuine praise from within NiMet’s workforce.
In August 2024, the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC) publicly commended Anosike’s efforts. In a media statement signed by the secretary of NJAC and branch president of SSASCGOC (NiMet Chapter), Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, the unions expressed profound appreciation for the improvements in staff welfare under Anosike’s leadership. They praised the resolution of long-standing financial challenges, noting that the payment of arrears had “greatly alleviated” the hardships facing the workforce and renewed staff morale and commitment to excellence.
“We are fortunate to have a leader who places such high value on the welfare and morale of his team,” the unions wrote, further describing the DG’s actions as a testament to his deep commitment to the agency and its employees.
It is therefore disheartening, many observers argue, that the same man recently praised for his achievements is now being targeted with baseless accusations of incompetence by shadowy groups. Analysts say the ethnic undertone of the attacks is hard to miss, with some actors reportedly uncomfortable with Anosike’s leadership simply because he is Igbo. These detractors, feeling entitled to control NiMet, have resorted to using obscure news platforms to circulate unfounded claims against him.
Some have even attempted to link Anosike to the recent strike action, despite clear evidence that he has been working tirelessly to resolve inherited staff grievances. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, had to intervene to suspend the strike, after which negotiations between the unions and management made significant progress.
Sources within NiMet insist that Anosike’s professional competence and achievements since assuming office speak for themselves. They argue that he has not only enhanced the agency’s service delivery but has also rebuilt trust between management and staff through transparency and genuine engagement.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” one union member who pleaded anonymity said. “It is unacceptable to hound Anosike out of office simply because of his ethnicity. His appointment was based on merit, and he has proven himself.”
Supporters stress that Tinubu’s choice of Anosike was deliberate, grounded in a recognition of his expertise and ability to transform NiMet into a world-class institution. They argue that ethnic or parochial interests must not be allowed to derail the progress already made.
The general sentiment among many staff and stakeholders is that rather than distract leadership with orchestrated crises, all hands should be on deck to consolidate the reforms being implemented. In a country striving to modernise its institutions, they warn, destabilising a performing agency head for ethnic or selfish reasons would be a disservice to national development.
