Who is after Pensions DG, Nellie Mayshak? By Godwin Ogan

The recent suspension of Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, may come as a surprise to many, as she is one of the only government officials hired by the previous administration, that has survived the hurricane of “change”.

Could this be an omission? Or is there something about her that fits into the change agenda?

Mrs Nellie is the pioneer Director General of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD); a body setup to identify, manage and pay pensioners who retired before 2007.

Just recently, the activities of the PTAD DG came under scrutiny, and an investigation commenced, which is normal protocol. This led to her suspension.

A suspension is not a dismissal, so it’s obvious that she is not being victimized by her superiors. But to the shock of many; the rumors circulating in the media, are accusations that are not to be taken likely.

Nigerians should learn to start asking questions and scrutinizing rumors before jumping into conclusions. I recently read an article discrediting some of the rumors surrounding the suspension of the DG, and I asked myself: Do we need others to filter rumors for us?

She was rumored to be paying herself a salary of N60 Million, and the question that was asked, and I am asking again is, does a public servant in Nigeria determine his/her salary?

The answer is No.

She was also rumored to be living in her privately owned 15 bedroom mansion in Asokoro, Abuja; but her neighbor has cried out, confirming that the DG lives in a rented three bedroom duplex in Maitama. Another rumor of her fleet of 15 luxurious cars was countered by the same neighbor, claiming that, he sees only two official cars in the compound, and witnesses the DG’s husband using a taxi more than often.

The question now is; who do we believe? I stand with the saying; “Innocent until proven guilty”. If she is found guilty of highhandedness and mismanagement of funds, then the law will take charge, but if she is vindicated the damage these rumors would have caused, will be very unfair.

Time will tell; investigations will end; and then the truth will come out. But my greatest concern is Mrs. Nellie obviously can’t determine her salary, and most of the other rumors are being countered with evidence. So the big question is: who is after Nellie Mayshak?