The management of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Kwara State, has denied claims by its former Director-General, Mr. Issa Aremu, that the Presidency has reappointed him for a second term.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Mrs Racheal Solomon, Head of the Public Relations Office, the Institute dismissed Aremu's assertions as "misleading" and lacking official validation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which oversees MINILS. The statement read:

"The Management of MINILS has noted with concern a series of misleading claims made in the media by the former Director-General regarding his purported reappointment. We are compelled to clarify these inaccuracies in the interest of transparency."

The Institute confirmed that Mr. Aremu concluded his four-year tenure on 17 May 2025 and handed over responsibilities to the most senior director, adhering to public service regulations.

"We categorically state that Mr. Aremu's assertions are false, baseless, and intentionally misleading. These claims appear to be a deliberate attempt to damage the image and integrity of the Institute and its dedicated workforce," the statement read.

It added: "Mr. Aremu duly completed his statutory four-year tenure on 17th May 2025 and handed over, albeit reluctantly, to the most senior Director in accordance with public service regulations. Contrary to these regulations, Mr. Aremu publicly declared he was merely 'stepping aside' and has since been presenting himself as the re-appointed Director-General. This is entirely inaccurate."

According to Solomon, there has been no official communication from the Ministry confirming any reappointment or a directive concerning new leadership.

"Despite Aremu's alleged continued media appearances and assertions of a phantom reappointment, we remain confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his steadfast commitment to the rule of law and due process, will act in accordance with the provisions of the National Institute for Labour Studies Act regarding the appointment of the Director/Chief Executive Officer," she stated.

The statement also addressed recent allegations made by Aremu, dismissing them as fabrications.

"Mr. Aremu's recent allegations ranging from claims of religiously motivated agitations to criticisms of his performance, absenteeism, and workplace conduct are entirely fictitious and intended to deflect attention from legitimate concerns about his leadership. These narratives are a desperate bid to garner public sympathy and obscure the reality of his tenure, which was marred by incompetence, authoritarianism, and disregard for institutional norms," it said.

Solomon further noted that under difficult circumstances, including outdated infrastructure and limited resources, the Institute had exceeded the Federal Government's training targets during Aremu's administration, crediting the achievement to the resilience and commitment of the staff.

"We urge the general public to disregard these fabrications in their entirety and seek information only from official and verifiable sources.

Additionally, we caution all stakeholders against engaging in any financial transactions or commitments with Mr. Aremu under the pretext of representing the Institute. The Management will not be held responsible for any such dealings," she said.

The statement concluded with a reassurance of MINILS's continued commitment to its mandate.