Presidency Sacks Obono Obla From Presidential Committee
The Federal Government has directed the Chairman of the Special
Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi
Obono-Obla to desist from carrying out any operation in his capacity as
head of the panel.
In a letter addressed to the panel’s chairman dated November 1st, 2017
with file number HAGF/SH/2017/VOL/1/60 and signed by the Honourable
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar
Malami it states that this was based on the strength that Obono-Obla’s
actions of late have run contrary to the enabling act establishing it.
The letter also notes that the activities of the panel have contravened
established administrative procedures and protocols in the nation’s civil
service structure, insisting his immediate and strict compliance with the
directives.
Obla is also instructed to henceforth seek clearance from the AGF before
granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters,
while he is directed to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date report on
the activities of the panel to the Minister for onward transmission to the
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Malami’s letter titled, Re: Directive In Respect of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla,
Chairman of The Special Investigation Panel on The Recovery of Public
Property emanates from an earlier one sent to him by the Vice President.
It read thus that, “I have received a letter Ref. SH/OVP/DCOS/FMJ/0424
dated 20th October, 2017 in respect of the above subject from the Office
of the Vice President.
“In the said letter, the Vice President expressed his concerns on the
activities of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public
Property which runs contrary to the enabling Act establishing it. He also
noted that the activities of the Panel run foul or contrary to established
administrative procedures and protocols in the Federal Civil Service
structure.
“In view of the foregoing coupled with the directives contained in the
letter under reference, you are hereby directed to refrain from any
further action or taking any step in your capacity as the Chairman of the
Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property with
immediate effect until directed otherwise by His Excellency, the Vice
President.
“While you are to await further instructions in respect of the Panel’s
mandate, you are hereby directed to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date
report on the activities of the Panel to the undersigned for onward
transmission to the Vice President.
“Furthermore, you are required to henceforth seek clearance from the
Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
before granting any media interview or making press releases on official
matters.
“While appealing for immediate and strict compliance with the contents of
this letter, please, accept the assurances of my warm regards and best
wishes,” the letter concluded.
