Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed (Mr Civil Service)

Former Secretary To the Federal Government

Date of Birth: 15/04/1952
Place of Birth: Azare, Bauchi State

Married with seven children

Education: BSc Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, 1976; MPA,1975.

Career: Joined Bauchi State Civil Service, 1977; Deputy Secretary to Bauchi State Ministry of Animal Health and Forestry Resources, 1982; Acting Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, 1983; joined the Federal Government Civil Service, 1986; Member of the 1988 Ministerial Committee on Civil Service Reforms; appointed Head of Civil Service, 2000;  Defence Minister, 2007-08; named as the Secretary to the Federal Government, Sep 2008-11.

Commentary: Ahmed took over as Secretary to the Federal Government from Babagana Kingibe, who presidential aides thought was more interested in becoming President than in being secretary to one.  In contrast, Ahmed has been very quiet, perhaps due to difficulties encountered in his role. The First Lady farmed out many of his duties to others, and a meeting Ahmed had with Olusegun Obasanjo did not help matters. The Yar'Aduas greatly mistrusted Obasanjo.