The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) currently faces a period of considerable turmoil and uncertainty regarding its leadership. This situation has caused significant confusion and concern among the Commission’s staff and stakeholders.
At the heart of the issue are two individuals: Rev. Yakubu Pam, the incumbent Executive Secretary, and Dr. Stephen Adegbite, the newly appointed Secretary of the Board. Both claim rightful leadership of the NCPC, leading to a challenging and unclear situation within the Commission.
Rev. Pam, through his media aide, Ayuba Pam, communicated to Saturday Sun that the recent presidential appointments were focused on the Board of the NCPC, not on replacing the Executive Secretary. In a response to an enquiry, Ayuba clarified, “It was the Board that was reconstituted, not the appointment of a new Executive Secretary. Thanks for the concern.”
This statement was mirrored by an anonymous Commission staff member, who expressed the general confusion and its impact on the staff’s morale and productivity. According to this source, there has been no official communication about a new Executive Secretary’s appointment. Rev. Pam reportedly continues to oversee the Commission’s activities, including recent management and general staff meetings, reaffirming his position as the current Executive Secretary.
In contrast, Dr. Adegbite, when reached for comment, asserted his appointment as the new Executive Secretary. He criticized Rev. Pam and his supporters for refusing to acknowledge this change. Dr. Adegbite explained that the title of Secretary in the context of Federal Parastatals is synonymous with Executive Secretary, as per the NCPC Act. He confidently stated that Rev. Pam’s tenure had ended and that official government communications would soon clarify the situation.
The recent announcement from the Presidency indeed confirmed several appointments to the NCPC board. The list includes Colonel Aloche Adole as Chairman and Dr. Stephen Adegbite as Secretary. Other board members appointed are Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola (Member, South West), Clement Alobu Nweke (South East), Chief Prince Weli Wosu (South South), Prof. Joseph Haruna Mamman (North West), Dr. Toma Hamidu Ragnjiya (North East), Dr. Simon Abu Samson Dolly (North Central), and Bishop Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo (representing CAN).
This controversy has sparked discussions and speculation within the Commission and among observers, with many waiting for a clear resolution from the appropriate authorities. The impact of this leadership dispute extends beyond the walls of the NCPC, affecting its operational efficiency and potentially its public image.
In conclusion, the situation at the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission remains fluid and complex. With two individuals asserting their legitimacy as the head of the Commission, clarity and guidance from higher authorities are urgently needed. The NCPC, a critical religious institution in Nigeria, faces a testing period that requires swift and decisive action to resolve this leadership impasse and restore normalcy.
