President Bola Tinubu on Monday ordered the immediate dismissal of the CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, a development that has triggered national reactions.
The President also dismissed the CEO of Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Alexander Okoh.
The dismissal of the two CEOs, according to a release issued yesterday by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, was in conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government.
He noted that this was towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions.
The two sacked chief executives, the president said, were directed to hand over to the next most senior officers in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new heads.
Reacting to the sack, Irukera said: “Grateful for the opportunity to have served the incredibly vibrant and loyal Nigerian citizens/consumers. They deserve a better deal. I leave behind a strong institutional advocate in the FCCPC and an outstanding team of soldiers who work there daily for the cause of fair markets.”
The development comes amid the suspension of Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu. The scandal included the approval of payment of hundreds of millions of naira into private accounts of civil servants.
Mrs Edu has come under criticism from Nigerians for ordering the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for Vulnerable Nigerians.
Nigerians React to Irukera’s Dismissal
One @backarray on X said: “Disappointed to read that the President has fired @TundeIrukera as CEO, FCCPC. While the President has the authority to do as he pleases, Babatunde Irukera has been one of the finest public officers in the last four years and would’ve been a great asset to the President’s agenda.”
Another X user @Ade_Nurayn said: “Hmmm Babatunde Irukera has been fired by the President. I didn’t see it coming.”
Below are reactions from other Nigerians:
