Nigerian’s have expressed shock and disbelief over the sacking of Mr. Babatunde Irukera as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) by President Bola Tinubu.
Irukera, who was famous for heavily sanctioning online loan sharks extorting Nigerians, was fired alongside the Director General and CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alexander Okoh.
In a statement by Special Adviser to the President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale sighted by Chronicle NG, the president’s decision was in conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions.
Meanwhile, the sack of Irukera was met with the utmost surprise and disbelief, as most Nigerian’s believed he had a great stint as the helmsman of the FCCPC.
Reacting to the decision of the president on X (formerly Twitter),Aziz, a lawyer with the username (@Backarray) said, “Disappointed to read that the President has fired @TundeIrukera as CEO, FCCPC. While the President has the authority to do as he pleases, Babatunde Irukera has been one of the finest public officers in the last four years and would’ve been a great asset to the President’s agenda.”
“Shocking to have Babatunde Irukera of @fccpcnigeria sacked a few days after Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission fined British American Tobacco $100 million for infringement. The man is a real performer. All the best
@TundeIrukera” Aare Musbau (@musbauceo) posted
Mo-Mo (@Morris_Monye) said, “Our man Babatunde Irukera —EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has just been sacked by Tinubu. Don’t know the rationale behind the sack but he was a super efficient personality. That’s the memory Nigerians have of him.”
For Data Scientist, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, it was all about service and dedication Irukera. He posted “Babatunde Irukera served Nigerians with unwavering dedication. History will remember his impactful work at @fccpcnigeria. He fearlessly championed customer protection, and the results speak for themselves. Thanks, @TundeIrukera!”
Ecclesia Prive (@Ugbojoide_) had nothing but praises for the distinguished lawyer “Since Babatunde Irukera’s (former FCCP chair) sack was announced, praises of his good works has been on the lips of everyone both online & offline. Being a good adminitrator is not that hard, it only takes the will power to do and this is what many lack.” she said
Mohammed El Ameen said,”I would have thought a right thinking government would have given Babatunde Irukera a bigger role because of the good work he did at FCCPC, but hey this is Nigeria.”
“Babatunde Irukera’s dismissal by @officialABAT leaves me speechless. He is someone I admire and respect a great deal. He gave @fccpcnigeria the vibrancy, relevance, and respect that it has today. I can only wish him higher grounds, he really deserves better. #dismissalnotfair.” Titi Ojo tweeted
Irukera an ally of former vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo once contested for the Kogi state APC gubernatorial ticket but lost out to the incubent Governor Yahaya Bello at the 2019 APC governorship primaries.
