Governor begs Buhari over suspended immigration boss
…Parradang removed over unauthorised recruitment, says Presidency
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Nigeria-Immigration-Comptroller-Mr.-David-Parradang..jpgNIGERIA: PLATEAU STATE Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, has met with President Muhammadu Buhari on the suspension of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr David Parradang.
But sources at the Presidency said that Parradang, who was appointed into the topmost immigration position in June, 2013 on four years tenure, was asked to step aside on allegation of unauthorised recruitment into the NIS.
Lalong, who spoke with State House reporters Monday shortly after he met Buhari, explained that despite the fact that investigations into what led to Parradang suspension had began, but as the home governor of the NIS boss, he found it necessary to show concern hence his decision to hold talks with the president.
“I came to see the President on some issues affecting my state,” Lalong said, adding: “These include the prevailing issue of the suspension of the comptroller general of immigration who incidentally is from my state.”
He stressed: “When you have issues like this in a political period, you must find ways of looking for reasons and possible solution. If anything affects any part of your body you must show concern.”
“Parradang’s case is still under investigation. A man was suspended and he is from Plateau, it is my concern because I am the governor of the state,” the governor said, while also saying: “For every appointment, we must show concern no matter how small. The President is handling it.”
He added: “At the end of the day whatever is the outcome I will agree with it, but I also need to get some explanations as the governor of the state.”
“I feel comfortable with the response I got and that is why I am smiling. I told him what we are doing on insecurity in our state.’’
Buhari last Friday ordered the suspension of the Comptroller-General with immediate effect, a release signed by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Interior, Mr Yusuf Isiaka Alhaji, said.
According to the release issued on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry, the president also directed Parradang to quit for his Deputy, Mr. Martin Abeshi, to pronto take over his responsibilities.
The reasons for the sack were not adduced, but there were initial speculations that the removal could not be unconnected with the wanted suspected terrorist who obtained a Nigerian valid visa in Lebanon.
The suspect, Ahmad al-Assir, who was in possession of a fake Palestinian passport and the Nigerian visa, was apprehended last August 15, while attempting to leave Lebanon through Cairo to Nigeria.
