A Transparency group, Action Against Corruption and Institutional Fraud (ACIF) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some senior officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to frustrate the newly appointed Comptroller General of Immigration service Kemi Namdap.

According to the group, despite the fact that the appointment of Namdap was a welcome development in the service and put to bed the grumbling among the ranks and file, those responsible for the new plot of insubordination allegedly include five Deputy Comptroller Generals due for retirement from service.

Some groups, allegedly made up of some senior NIS officers, had launched a sponsored media attacks against the newly appointed Comptroller General of Immigration querying President Tinubu’s decision and tagging it “rash of illegal appointments, made back-to-back”.

According to those raising eyebrows against Namdap’s appointment, the appointment violates the provisions of the Unified Conditions of Service for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration and Nigerian Prison Services, 2019.

But the Transparency group, ACIF through its spokesperson, Julius Akpondie, said those behind the alleged act of insubordination and indiscipline capable of causing disaffection and disrespect among officers of the NIS include DCG Usman Babangida, who was to have been retired in 2022 due to age, having clocked 60 years, DCG Emenike that joined the service in 1991 couldn’t have attained the rank of DCG, if those who joined in 1989 just got promoted to ACG rank in 2023.

According to the group, “What is the criteria for Emenike’s flight and crash land? Rising at the detriment of her colleagues who are now Comptrollers and some ACGs”.

The group called on the Minister of Interior, to investigate the rising plot against the newly appointed leadership of the NIS and ensure that those involved are heard and if they are found culpable, they should be summarily retired.

“The game plan is to frustrate the incoming newly appointed Comptroller General of Immigration service Kemi Nana Namdap. We are monitoring and will expose their plans.

“With these shameless, show of shame, the act of protesting must be queried and sanctioned by the Minister. It is a common practice that when a junior is promoted, all the seniors must retire, in the Military, Police and Custom, why not Immigration Service NIS? Why the noise after the Ministerial directive? Is it honourable that they put pen to paper for retirement instead of being forced?

“But as it is the case now, sanction is necessary to avert future occurrence and a bad precedent from officers due for retirement.” The group stated.

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