Efio-Ita Nyok|5 November 2017
Chief Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla’s actions lately, in respect of his chairmanship of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, is alledged by His Excellency the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to be running counter to the enabling act establishing it.
The letter addressed to the Office of the Attorney General also notes that the activities of the panel have contravened established administrative procedures and protocols in the nation’s civil service structure.
It insists that he adhere immediately and in strict compliance with the directives. See letter below:
Re: Directive In Respect of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Chairman of The Special Investigation Panel on The Recovery of Public Property emanates from an earlier one sent to him by the Vice President.
I have received a letter Ref. SH/OVP/DCOS/FMJ/0424 dated 20th October, 2017 in respect of the above subject from the Office of the Vice President.
In the said letter, the Vice President expressed his concerns on the activities of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property which runs contrary to the enabling Act establishing it. He also noted that the activities of the Panel run foul or contrary to established administrative procedures and protocols in the Federal Civil Service structure.
In view of the foregoing coupled with the directives contained in the letter under reference, you are hereby directed to refrain from any further action or taking any step in your capacity as the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property with immediate effect until directed otherwise by His Excellency, the Vice President.
While you are to await further instructions in respect of the Panel’s mandate, you are hereby directed to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date report on the activities of the Panel to the undersigned for onward transmission to the Vice President.
Furthermore, you are required to henceforth seek clearance from the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters.
While appealing for immediate and strict compliance with the contents of this letter, please, accept the assurances of my warm regards and best wishes.'
Mr. Abubakar Malami Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Obono-Obla was even gagged from addressing the press without permission. Hmmm!