CSOs press Immigration CG to resign, have reached retirement on May 31
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 15 civil society organisations (CSOs) under on the platform of the Coalition of Civil Society for Rule of Law and Justice have demanded the immediate resignation of acting Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller General Carol Wura-Ola for violating civil service rules on retirement.
The coalition insisted the planned six-month extension of her tenure is illegal.
“The Acting Comptroller General Immigration retired officially from the Immigration Service on the 31st of May 2023. The Immigration Act does not allow for retired personnel or those not in active service to head the agency,” Coalition Convener Nwogu Ndubisi said in Abuja.
“Any extension is like extending the retirement age of someone in service, which is not possible unless the public service rule is changed.”
The coalition also alleged Wura-Ola’s initial acting appointment was also illegal.
“We were shocked when she was appointed to act as Comptroller General for three months, which we perceive as illegal when there are eminently qualified officers still in service.
“Since the deed is done, she can only act as Comptroller General for three months and nothing more.
“If this is allowed, it will set a bad precedent. As a coalition, we will take all lawful action to stop this illegality if Carol Adepoju Wura-Ola doesn’t take the path of honour, resign, and quit the stage as Acting Comptroller General by the end of August 2023.”
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Backdrop story
The controversy began when President Bola Tinubu appointed Wura-Ola as acting NIS Comptroller General on May 31, the day of her retirement, per Vanguard.
The coalition said it believes Tinubu was not adequately briefed about her retirement status. However, the planned six-month extension of her appointment after the initial three months has raised further concern.
“If she couldn’t manage the service in three months post-retirement, what can she achieve in six months?
“This move by those in the corridors of power leaves more to be desired. That’s why Mr President needs to know what some of his lieutenants are not telling him,” the coalition insisted.
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