Contrary to media reports that the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi kifasi, was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari, indications are that had written to the President for approval to proceed on his terminal leave in preparation for his exit from the civil service in two months’ time.

In a statement issued by spokesperson of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Haruna Imrana, the President approved the pre-retirement leave in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

“The letter conveying the President’s approval signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Eng. Babachir David Lawal, also stated Mr Presidents ‘appreciation for the meritorious Service to the nation during his tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation’,” the statement read.

President Buhari on Tuesday appointed Winifred Oyo-Ita as the new head of the civil service.

Oyo-Ita, 51, hails from Odukpani local government area of Cross Rivers State and was Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before her posting to the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in April 2014.