*Describes Appointment of Adepoju Caroline Wura-Ola As Illegal

In a strongly worded letter addressed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a legal practitioner and human rights activist, Maxwell Opara, has raised concerns over the unlawful appointment of Adepoju Caroline Wura-Ola, a retired Deputy Comptroller General, as the acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Opara highlighted the violation of the Federal Government Public Service rules and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011 as amended.

In the letter made available to TheNigeriaLaywer, Mr. Opara described the appointment as a violation of federal government public service rules and called for prompt action to rectify the situation.

He wrote, “Your Excellency, amongst the recent occurrence within the few weeks of your leadership of this country is the (Retd) Adepoju Caroline Wura-Ola’s continuous active duties in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as the acting Comptroller-General after her retirement on the 31st day of May, 2023. This has actually created an ugly, unlawful, illegal, immoral and demoralizing situation within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). This, we must quickly state that it is in direct breach and stab of the constituted authority of your government.”

Opara asserts that Wura-Ola, having reached the mandatory retirement age on May 31, 2023, should have retired from the NIS. However, he alleges that the Board of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Service illegally appointed her to the position of Acting Comptroller-General through a memo dated May 26, 2023. Opara emphasizes that this appointment contradicts President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“Your Excellency, amongst the recent occurrence within the few weeks of your leadership of this country is the (Retd) Adepoju Caroline Wura-Ola’s continuous active duties in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as the acting Comptroller-General after her retirement on the 31st day of May, 2023. This has actually created an ugly, unlawful, illegal, immoral and demoralizing situation within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). This, we must quickly state that it is in direct breach and stab of the constituted authority of your government.”

Citing Section 8 of the Public Service Rule, Opara reminds the President that the retirement age for all grades in the service is 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes earlier. He argues that the Board lacks the authority to extend the retirement age or appoint a retiree as an Acting Comptroller-General. Opara further notes the discontent and demoralization within the NIS as a result of this unlawful appointment.

Expressing concern for the negative impact on the morale and reputation of the service, Opara urges President Tinubu to take immediate action by appointing a qualified serving officer of the NIS as the Comptroller-General. He emphasizes that such action is necessary to uphold the president’s oath of office and ensure adherence to the country’s laws.

The letter concludes with a warning that if the federal government fails to address the matter promptly, Opara intends to seek legal recourse in a court of competent jurisdiction.

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