National

Agency Head Sacked By Tinubu Replies, Defends Stewardship

Published

4 months ago

January 9, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, and the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Alexander Okoh, with immediate effect.

The decision was disclosed in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. According to the statement, these dismissals are part of a strategic plan to reposition crucial government bodies, focusing on safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers and enhancing the contributions of key growth-enabling institutions to the nation’s economy.

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However, in a swift response to his sack, Irukera expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve saying he had positioned a better team to protect Nigerians in the marketplace.

Ngelale clarified that the two ousted Chief Executives, Irukera and Okoh, are directed to hand over their responsibilities to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers.

PRESIDENT TINUBU DISMISSES TWO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation's… pic.twitter.com/ZL2MgzD0Aw
— NTA News (@NTANewsNow) January 8, 2024

GWG.ng reports that this development comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, earlier on Monday, amidst allegations of misappropriation of N585 million, sparking widespread public anger.

After being sacked, Irukera took to his official Twitter handle to express gratitude for the opportunity to have served the Nigerian citizens and consumers. He acknowledged the need for a better deal for the citizens and highlighted leaving behind a robust institutional advocate in the FCCPC (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) and an exceptional team dedicated to championing fair markets.

See his post below;

Grateful for the opportunity to have served the incredibly vibrant & loyal Nigerian citizens/consumers. They deserve a better deal. I leave behind a strong Institutional advocate in the FCCPC, & an outstanding team of soldiers who work there daily for the cause of fair markets.
— Babatunde Irukera (@TundeIrukera) January 8, 2024

The abrupt changes in leadership underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to overhauling key government agencies to ensure efficiency and accountability in their respective roles.