News
FG urged to scrap NIMC, terminate appointment of DG
The Federal Government has been urged to urgently scrap the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and terminate the appointment of its Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote over incompetence, corruption allegations, amongst others
The call was made during a press conference addressed by Adegoruwa Omobolanle, National Spokesperson of Tinubu Shettima Support Campaign Council (TSSCC) on Tuesday in Ibadan.
According to Omobolanle TSSCC as a prominent grassroots organization committed to advancing good governance, grassroots development, and the welfare of Nigerian citizens is “deeply concerned about the recent appointment of the current Director General of NIMC, and growing cases of fraud within the commission.
TSSCC also added that stakeholders from the NIMC Director General’s home state and region are disappointed with her inefficacy and fraud allegations rocking the Commission, hence are in support of calls for her sack.
Part of his statement read: “We are deeply concerned about the recent appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and hereby call for immediate action to rectify the situation.
Unfortunately, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s appointment has proven to be a gross misjudgment, evident by her incompetence in effectively carrying out the duties of Director General/CEO. Under her tenure, NIMC has failed to fulfill its primary objective of providing a reliable and efficient national identity management system. This failure is a significant setback for national development and undermines the rights and interests of Nigerian citizens.
Additionally, corruption cases within NIMC have further tarnished its already diminishing reputation and it is an obvious fact that a person who is corrupt lacks the morality and capacity to check corruption. The alleged corrupt practices, misappropriation of funds, and lack of transparency have eroded public trust in the commission. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s oversight in such cases is deeply concerning and raises questions about her ethical integrity and ability to lead effectively.
Furthermore, NIMC has been plagued by a range of other issues, including mismanagement of resources, inadequate staffing, and technological inefficiency. These issues hamper the commission’s ability to operate efficiently and provide the necessary services to the Nigerian population.”
Given the gravity of these concerns, TSSCC urgently calls for the following actions to be taken:
1. Terminate the appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the Director General/CEO of NIMC, as her incompetence and alleged involvement in corruption cases makes her unfit for the position.
2. Conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the corruption cases within NIMC, ensuring transparency, accountability, and appropriate action against those responsible.
3. Scrutinize the overall operations and structure of NIMC, identifying and rectifying the root causes of its failures, including mismanagement of resources, inadequate staffing, and technological inefficiencies.
4. Consider alternatives to NIMC that can effectively address the primary objective of providing a reliable and efficient national identity management system, prioritizing competency and accountability.
It is crucial that immediate action is taken to rectify the situation at NIMC and restore public confidence in the commission. The provision of a transparent, effective, and corruption-free identity management system is paramount for the security and prosperity of Nigerian citizens
News
IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court
The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.
“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.
He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.
Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.
“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.
While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.
He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.
The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.
Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.
However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.
“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.
He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.
Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has raised concerns over the alleged recruitment of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the state’s Amotekun Corps, claiming it threatens the safety of opposition members.
In a statement issued on Friday, APM Chairman, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, criticized the recruitment process, alleging that non-PDP applicants were deliberately screened out. He warned that Amotekun, originally created to enhance security, was being turned into a political tool.
“We are disturbed by the protest by well-meaning Osun residents who applied but were deliberately excluded because they are not PDP members,” Adebayo stated.
He further alleged that over 1,000 PDP members had been recruited into the corps, describing it as an attempt to silence opposition voices. According to him, the recruitment exercise was merely a formality to cover up a pre-arranged selection process favoring ruling party members.
APM has called for the resignation of the Corps Commandant and Field Commandant of Amotekun, demanding an apology to the affected applicants and the people of the state. The party insisted that the security outfit must remain apolitical to maintain public trust.
Neither the Osun State Government nor the leadership of Amotekun has responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.
IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court
Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism
Opposition no longer safe with recruitment of Osun PDP members into Amotekun – APM
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