INSIDE STORY OF RAGING SUCCESSION BATTLE AT IMMIGRATION

The succession battle at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raged for some time now, with several contenders pulling strings to ensure they emerge victorious at the end of the day. MUSA SIMON REEF and BODE SUNDAY probe into a battle that promises to make or mar the fortunes of the service

The exit of Comptroller General Rose Uzoma of the Nigeria Immigration Service opened a floodgate of succession battle, as many contenders have thrown their hats in the ring for the topmost position. The job racketeering that rocked the service which consumed Uzoma recently took another dimension with top officers of the service already waging war over who is appointed as head of the NIS.

A top staffer of the service, who is not happy at the ongoing succession battle, disclosed how the battle over who steps in as the boss of Immigration has reached feverish height, with some Immigration top brass pitched in a divisive succession tussle.

The contenders

The said contenders, who are said to be leaving no stone unturned and using “most unhealthy ethnic” dimension, resulting in indiscriminate posting of officers despite proven competences, according to the Abuja headquarters source.

The pressure at the top, it was reliably gathered, has not been helped by reports that the supervisory Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, recently forwarded three names, including that of Acting Comptroller General, DCI Rilwanu  Bala Musa, to President Goodluck Jonathan,  from which a substantive CGI may be named. The other two names listed by the minister included Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration ACG from Jigawa, Mohammed Babandede and Ogun state -born ACG Ayo Tunde Oredipe.

The source alleged further that “granted that these are accomplished officers in their own right, the majority opinion here is that they are the best that we need to really impact on policy direction of the immigration service of today. The Acting CG has less than one year to retire, and so hasn’t got the time to really impact on the policy direction of the service.  Aside that, he was part of the immediate past management, and has been around for quite a while at the top level of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and cannot claim that he was not part of the failings of that administration”, stated a top immigration officer.

The academic qualification of some of the shortlisted officers was also called to question, with officers claiming that they are not relevant to the service of today. While citing the current acting CG, DCI Rilwanu Bala Musa, who is said to have studied Arabic and Islamic Studies from his first degree to Master’s degree, the source called for proper clarification in the secondary School in Libya he claimed to have attended. It must not be forgotten that the acting CG also claimed to have attended Mama Sidi Primary School, Bauchi, between 1966 to 1970.

But another source close to Musa said that all the allegations against the present boss of the NIS are simply a creation of some demented minds who are determined to stop Musa from the clinching the topmost position.

“Bad people who are against the new NIS boss are behind the rumour. The man has no problem with his academic records. You can verify that from any source. He is fine and a good leader,” the source noted.

The source, therefore, submitted that  “the Service at the moment needs dynamic, detribalised leader who he said must be willing to boldly steer the NIS over present crossroad that is enmeshed in bigotry and distrust”, adding that some of those shortlisted may not enjoy the loyalty of female members of the service as a result of past mistreatment.

North Vs South

Since the struggle over who takes over the headship of NIS commenced, it has been an ethnic war fought on all fronts. From the North, there have been intense efforts to ensure the headship comes to the area, taking into consideration that the immediate boss of the NIS hails from the South-east.

Though the presidency is said to be favourable disposed to ensuring that the next CG comes from the most qualified, Blueprint learnt that the contenders have been engaged in rallying support to get their name approved for the top position.

“I can assure that the race for the headship of the NIS is gradually turning into an ethnic one. But the minister has made it clear that those who will be appointed must be ready to demonstrate competence and ensure that service moves forward. Those trying to turn the race into an ethnic war are simply wasting their time. We know when the time comes, the presidency will do what is right,” another source told our correspondent.

Those rooting for the acting CG have advanced several reasons for their support. Apart from demonstrating the competence of the acting CG as shown in the manner he has managed teh affairs of the service, his supporters insist that he remains the best product that can continue with the cleansing of the system.

“The present acting CG is a thorough breed and is known for excellence and can be trusted to deliver the goods to the general admiration of all. All hands must be on deck to ensure the right thing is done,” the source said.

For supporters of Babandede, he is a symbol of “freshness” and can be trusted to chart a new course for the service. Unlike Musa who is said to be close to the powers that be and can be seen as a continuation of the old order, Babandede, sources said, can still meet the aspiration of the President Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

“He is a dynamic leader who can be trusted to do it and do it right. He has tremendous goodwill and support among the rank and file of the staff. He can be trusted to do the right thing if he is appointed into the position. He remains a beacon of hope and inspiration to members of the NIS,” a top staffer of the organisation said.

For those calling the appointment of a South-westerner as head of NIS, the appointment as Oredipe as CG of the service could turn around the fortunes of the Immigration. As a dynamic officer that has been a close insider in the manner the service has been managed, his experience could serve as an additional advantage for the service.

“Oredipe is someone that can run the affairs of the service in the most efficient manner. He is respected by staffers of the organisation and can be trusted to rally others to salvage Immigration from the position it now finds itself.” Another source noted.

Options for Jonathan

Considering the intense succession struggle that has raged at the NIS, there are options that will soon be adopted by the presidency, a source told Blueprint.

The first, according to a source, is to appoint Musa as substantive CG of the NIS and, thereby, resolve the succession struggle. Where that happens, the source added, then it would translate into preserving the old order.

That could also assuage the North which, according to source, has been meeting to convince the Jonathan administration on the need to allow the region head the NIS.

Another option, according to the source, is to either appoint Babandede or Oredipe to head the service. This option, the source said, is least favourable, taking into consideration the bitter succession battle that is raging for the Immigration’s top most position.

“The presidency is not likely to appoint either Babandede or  Oredipe for the position. What Jonathan may do is to simply get a new person to head the agency of he does not appoint Musa as substantive boss of the NIS,” the source added.

When contacted, the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Mr. George Udoh, debunked allegation in entirety, noting that there was no official statement from the ministry that some names has been forwarded for consideration.

His words:

“There is an acting CG, the Minister is a father of all in the ministry beside there is no official statement from the ministry, so there is nothing like that and you known comrade Abba Moro cannot be selective.” the source stated.

There is not denying the fact that the succession struggle in the Immigration is gradually becoming intense, now that the presidency is about taking a decision on who to appoint as substantive boss of the NIS. Who emerges at the end of the day is dependent on the choice of the presidency and the ability of contenders to rally support for their candidacy.

Source: Blueprint