Verity Newspaper has investigated and uncovered a significant development at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), a letter from two high-ranking officials, Deputy Executive Directors for Operations and Administration, on growing tensions, leadership disputes, and accountability within the agency.
The letter, addressed to the Executive Director, Hon. Ansu V. S. Dulleh, calls for immediate intervention and action to address the agency’s critical issues related to leadership, accountability, and workplace conduct.
According to the letter, the Executive Director has been accused of undermining the NDMA’s established structure, bypassing the roles and authority of his deputies, and creating a hostile work environment.
The Deputy Directors allege that Hon. Dulleh has disregarded the National Disaster Management Policy (NDMP) and made unilateral decisions that have broken communication and collaboration within the agency.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the letter is the Executive Director’s creation of a parallel structure within the agency, which reportedly disregards the existing disaster management policies.
The Deputy Directors have expressed their frustration over the lack of transparency in decision-making, particularly regarding the agency’s restructuring and updates to key disaster management policies.
The letter also accuses Hon. Dulleh of excluding his deputies from essential operations and failing to share critical reports and financial information, which is crucial for the agency’s oversight and accountability.
In addition to governance concerns, the letter brings to light issues of workplace hostility.
The Deputy Directors claim that Hon. Dulleh has created divisions within the staff by favoring specific individuals while undermining others.
They report aggressive and disrespectful behavior, with staff members subjected to public ridicule, including derogatory remarks and questions about their competence. The letter further alleges that these actions have contributed to a toxic work environment that hampers the agency’s ability to function effectively.
The letter also calls for the NDMA’s Board to intervene, demanding a review of the agency’s operations and financial reports and the implementation of corrective measures.
The Deputy Directors have requested access to reports on financial disbursements, updates on key projects, and an insight into the preparations for the agency’s upcoming fiscal year.
The Deputy Directors’ call for transparency and accountability comes at a crucial time when the NDMA prepares for its annual operations and financial reporting.
As the agency plays a pivotal role in disaster management and emergency response, the current leadership challenges threaten to undermine its effectiveness and public trust.
This latest development raises significant questions about the agency’s leadership and its capacity to meet the growing needs of the nation’s disaster management efforts.
The NDMA Board and the relevant government ministries will now have to address these concerns and determine the path forward to restore accountability, professionalism, and transparency within the agency.
As the situation unfolds, the public will be closely watching to see how the government responds to these allegations and whether reforms will be implemented to ensure the effective functioning of the NDMA in the future.
