Tinubu Requests Swift Senate Confirmation for FCCPC Chairman’s Removal

President Bola Tinubu has called for the expeditious confirmation of the removal of Babatunde Irukera, the chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

This is contained in a letter by the president presented to the Senate on Tuesday and read during the plenary session by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s approval for Oluwole Andama to assume the role of Executive Director of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund in the Nigerian Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Both requests were subsequently referred to the Senate Committee of the Whole and the Senate Committee on Gas and Downstream for further consideration.

The Senate then proceeded into an executive session to discuss urgent matters, with Senator Godswill Akpabio hinting at the discussions revolving around national security.

President Tinubu’s request follows the recent dismissal of Babatunde Irukera from his position as FCCPC chairman, a decision made three weeks prior. The shake-up also included the removal of Mr. Alexander Okoh, the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, on January 8.

The presidency clarified that these actions align with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government, emphasising the goal of protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and enhancing the contributions of key growth-enabling institutions to the nation’s economy.

Notably, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, had earlier been suspended by the President over allegations of misappropriation of N585 million.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated that the dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies until new appointments are made.

No specific reasons were provided for their removal.