The Acting Comptroller-General of Immigration Isah Jere Idris’ term has been extended by President Muhammadu Buhari until May 29, 2023.
This information was provided by Buhari in a letter of extension that was signed by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, his chief of staff.
After having his retirement period extended for a year earlier, Jere would be receiving this second extension.
In a telephone conversation, Tony Akuneme, the NIS’s spokesman, confirmed that the CG had received a new letter extending his position through the end of the current administration.
“The CG has another letter that supersedes that one [the letter ordering him to leave his position],” it reads. He has been given a new contract that will last until the president’s term ends. It’s just an extra month,” Akuneme said.
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In a previous letter from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, dated April 17th, 2023, and addressed to the head of the NIS, the government had instructed him to hand over to the most senior officer, Deputy Comptroller-General, on or before April 24 in the interim until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed a substantive CG.
Obasi Edozie Edmund, the temporary secretary of the Board, signed the letter.
A Civil Society Organisation protested on Friday in Abuja outside the NIS headquarters and the Ministry of Interior to voice opposition to the Immigration CG’s continued tenure in office after some Service members threatened to strike if the government renewed Jere’s term.
Jere was allegedly abusing his position by continuing to hold it, according to Olufemu Lawson, the executive director of the CSO, Centre for Public Accountability.
