Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has denied ordering the retirement of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isah Idris Jere.
Idris had been issued a retirement notice, effective on or before April 24, 2023, according to sources who confided in News About Nigeria.
The retirement directive was reportedly issued by the Governing Board of the Nigeria Immigration Service, citing the expiration of the one-year extension of service granted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, the Minister of Interior and former Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, denied knowledge of the directive, claiming that it was “Greek to me.”
The memo, which was dated April 17, 2023, had the code number CDCFIB/APPT.CG&DCG/61/VOL.IV/74 and was signed by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board Secretary, Obasi Edmond, on the orders of the Board chairman and Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola.
The Acting CGI has been in office since the former Comptroller-General, Mohammed Babandede, retired in March 2020.
His tenure has been marked by several controversies, including allegations of corruption and incompetence.
Some stakeholders have called for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Immigration Service, citing the need for a more effective and efficient immigration system.
The retirement of the Acting CGI has raised concerns about the stability of the Nigeria Immigration Service, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges.
The NIS plays a critical role in ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria’s borders, and any disruptions to its operations could have serious implications.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has been plagued by a lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited manpower.
The government has been urged to prioritize the needs of the NIS and invest in its capacity to effectively carry out its mandate.
