Dr. Emmanuel Gaima: Demoted or Promoted?

After serving below one year as Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima has been appointed to a new position—Principal Executive Adviser to the President on Public Service Reforms.

According to a press statement from State House, his new position is equivalent to a cabinet rank. Known as a development expert, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima was co-chair of the Tripartite Committee, representing the government in a negation that had the responsibility to look into electoral irregularities and proffers recommendations for future elections.

Immediately after the tripartite report was presented to President Bio, he was appointed Secretary to the President, a position traditionally handled by experienced civil servants.

Despite his vast knowledge in development and other vital areas of studies, Dr. Gaima has never served in the civil service. His appointment as Secretary to the President was largely viewed as a compensation for his participation in the tripartite negotiations, especially representing the government.

When news broke out about his new appointment, many critical minds questioned whether he has been promoted or demoted. As the Secretary to the President, Dr. Gaima had an unrestricted access to the president, granting permission to whosoever wanted to meet with the President.

He was like the gatekeeper to the presidency, with powers to be consulted on appointment made by the president.

He might even recommend presidential appointment due to his oath as Secretary to the President closeness to the president. Even cabinet ministers would have to go through him to have access to the president. He was in charge!

His new appointment may not grant him the leverage he had as Secretary to the President. He may now seek permission to see the president. His responsibility might be duplicative since there is Secretary to the Civil Service who may proffer recommendations with regards reforms in the public service.

His office would run without a budget and he is now deemed a general without an army. His new position is a demotion rather than a promotion as many viewed it.