An air of confusion and disquiet is whirling again at Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration over the impending appointment of Muhammad Babandede as the new Comptroller General (CG) of the Service.
The information making the rounds in the past two days is that Babandede, a DCG would be taking over the reins of authority from Martin Kure Abeshi, who proceeds on retirement leave.
Our source in the service hinted that General Dambazau, the Minister of Interior, has already directed the incumbent CGI Abeshi to hand over the Service to Mr. Muhammad Babandede .
But Abeshi, according to our source, requested the Minister to come forward with a written authority to confirm the directive, which Danbazzau reportedly issued yesterday.
In a twist and as if to add to the confusion that has gripped the service since the suspension of former CG David Paradang about eight months ago, CGI Abeshi is said to have rebuffed the letter from the Minister .
Mr. Abeshi is said to have told the Minister that his letter is not in tune with service practice for appointing a Comptroller General, whether in acting or substantive capacity.
He said that instead, it is the prerogative of the President and Commander – in – Chief to make that pronouncement.
Besides, Abeshi was said to have also told the Minister that Mr. Babandede is not the most senior Deputy, and that in line with global practice the right thing to do is for him to hand over to the most senior officer pending confirmation or appointment of substantive holder.
Abeshi, according to our source, has been at the receiving end of petitions purportedly signed by immigration officers but which he claimed has now been found to have actually emanated from desperate office seekers.
Report has it that the HMOI had tried in vain to hoodwink critical elements at the Presidency to appointment Mr. Babandede, even if at an acting capacity. His pleas were rebuffed on same grounds as Mr. Abseshi had informed and educated him. The HMOI frustrated, now resorted to blackmail and intimidation like the face off in his office with Mr. Abeshi in the presence of his protege Mr. Babandede.
It would be recalled tha a scathing petition aimed at discrediting Mr. Abeshi was planted by agents of the HMOI and Mr. Babandede alleging corruption and lopsidedness in the appointment of Immigration Attachés to foreign missions. The petition, signed B persons posing as NIS officers because no such posting could have seen the light of day without the HMOI’s input. A cursory look at the list show that majority of officers and men who benefitted from the exercise are from the HMOI’s State of origin.