Tinubu appoints ex-lawmaker accused of diverting COVID-19 palliatives as NSITF official

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mojisolaoluwa Kehinde Alli-Macaulay, a former Lagos State lawmaker, as the Executive Director (Operations) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Mrs Alli-Macaulay previously represented Amuwo Odofin 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

This appointment has stirred controversy due to Mrs. Alli-Macaulay’s history.

In 2020, she faced allegations of diverting COVID-19 palliatives meant for the underprivileged during the lockdown and repackaging them as birthday souvenirs.

A petition from her constituents called for her recall, citing poor representation and misappropriation of the palliatives.

Despite these past controversies, Mrs Alli-Macaulay, who shares her state of origin with President Tinubu, has now been appointed to a high-ranking federal position.

The decision to appoint Mrs Alli-Macaulay has attracted criticism and raised questions about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

BudgIT, a Nigerian civic organisation that applies technology for citizen engagement, wrote on X:

”In 2020, we petitioned ICPC to investigate Hon. Mojisola Macaulay & members of the Lagos state House of Assembly who allegedly abused and diverted COVID-19 palliatives for personal use.

”Now in 2024, President Bola Tinubu has approved Mojisola’s appointment as the ED of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF. Is this the new way? Wait a few years and get an appointment?”