774,000 Jobs: Keyamo Explodes As Politicians Attempt Hijack Of Process

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has alleged blackmail by some politicians over the federal government’s ongoing recruitment of 774,000 Nigerians into its special public works programme.

Keyamo vowed that “no political leader” no matter how influential would make him compromise the recruitment process.

The minister said he remained answerable only to President Muhammadu Buhari and would not dent his reputation to please any politician.

Keyamo spoke on Monday at the inauguration of state selection committees of the programme in Abuja.

He said, “There have been attempts at blackmailing me in this particular programme too to make us also yield to political leaders and we have said no – not while I am here.

“I have a pedigree; I have a background; I know where I am coming from. Before I came into public office, I have a pedigree and what I stand for.

“Except Mr President, who appointed me stops me, and who gave me the opportunity and rare privilege to drive this programme, except he stops me, no other political leader or person can stop me. I am answerable only to Mr President.”

According to Keyamo, some politicians had summoned him over the recruitment process in a bid to hijack it.

He said, “Before coming here today, there has been an attempt by certain political leaders to say I must come and see them behind the scene first to determine who gets what and how, and I said no. I am ready at any time for a public debate on this with them.”

He further warned the selection chairmen, saying: “I think the chairmen can stand on their own; don’t go and hold meetings in the house of politicians to select; hold your meetings in NDE offices. Don’t go and meet in any government house to hold any meeting, don’t go to any politicians’ house to do selections.”