Defence Minister Welcomes Reinstated Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah After Clearance of Fake Agency Allegations

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has formally welcomed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, back to the Ministry following his reinstatement by the Federal Government.

The reinstatement follows the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, after Mr. Pheelangwah was cleared of any involvement in the alleged fake agency scam.

In a statement signed by the Chief Information and Public Relations Officer, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, the Ministry stated that the Permanent Secretary’s reinstatement demonstrated Mr. President’s administration’s commitment to upholding due process, fairness and zero tolerance for misconduct, while also ensuring that innocent public officers are not unjustly punished.

Iheoma-Hart stated that the Minister received the Permanent Secretary at the office today and expressed confidence in their cordial working relationship, emphasising the importance of building on the existing synergy between the Ministry’s leadership to promote effective administration and service delivery.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for the opportunity to resume duty, pledging to discharge his responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism and commitment to national service, and to work towards achieving the Ministry’s mandate and advancing Nigeria’s defence and security objectives.

Iheoma-Hart noted that the event highlights the Ministry’s commitment to institutional continuity, strengthened leadership collaboration and the effective pursuit of the country’s defence and security priorities.