The Senate on Wednesday, February 28, approved President Tinubu’s request for the removal of Babatunde Irukera as Chief Executive/Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a letter to President Tinubu had in a letter to the senate said Irukera was removed due to his inability to effectively perform the duties of his office, adding that it has become pertinent to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government for efficiency and effectiveness.
He added that the move is in line with his administration’s drive to strengthen the mechanisms, aimed at protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers, and provide a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy, by key growth-enabling institutions.
The senate however okay President Tinubu’s decision after its consideration and adoption of a motion to that effect moved by the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central).
It said that “the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the removal of Chief Executive/Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in accordance with Section 8(1)(bb) & (2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act, 2018.
Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) in his contribution, observed that Irukera had not completed his term of office before he was removed.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his response reminded him that it was not the duty of the Senate to question the president’s nomination or removal of persons in official positions, but to either approve or reject it.
Senators approved President Tinubu’s removal of Irukera when Akpabio put the matter to voice vote.
