SAN FRANCISCO, November 05, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has suspended Chief Okoi Obono-Obla as Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salihu Isah, the government considered Obono-Obla’s actions as contrary to the enabling Act establishing panel.
The statement, which quoted a November 1, 2017 letter by the AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN), addressed to Obono-Obla, revealed that Obono-Obla has been barred from further carrying out any official operation until further notice from the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo.
It stated that Obono-Obla, who is also the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, had also been directed to seek and obtain clearance from Malami before granting any further press interview or issuing any official statement.
The AGF’s letter with reference number HAGF/SH/2017/VOL/1/60, and titled, ‘Re: Directive in respect of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property’ was said to have emanated from an earlier one sent to him by the Vice-President expressing concerns about the activities of the panel.
The AGF’s letter read, “I have received a letter Ref. SH/OVP/DCOS/FMJ/0424 dated October 20, 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.”
