A group of concerned Nigerians has called for the confirmation of the Acting Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Mohammed Babandede.
The group, known as the Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN), argued that Babandede has been performing exceptionally well in his capacity as the Acting CG. According to PFN’s spokesperson, Mr. Charles Eze, Babandede has introduced various innovations and reforms that have improved the operations of the NIS.
Eze stated that the group had conducted a survey which revealed that a majority of Nigerians support Babandede’s confirmation as the substantive CG. He urged the relevant authorities to take the survey findings into consideration and confirm Babandede’s appointment.
However, some other stakeholders have expressed concern about the timing of Babandede’s confirmation, given the ongoing investigations into the alleged employment scam at the NIS. The investigations, which were initiated by the Senate in 2015, are still ongoing.
These stakeholders argue that confirming Babandede while the investigations are ongoing could undermine the integrity of the probe and send the wrong signal to the public.
In response to these concerns, Eze assured the public that Babandede was not implicated in the employment scam and had even taken steps to address the issue. He stated that delaying Babandede’s confirmation could slow down the progress made by the NIS under his leadership.
The PFN, therefore, appealed to the Senate to expedite the conclusion of the investigations and separate the issue from Babandede’s confirmation.
It remains to be seen whether the relevant authorities will heed the calls for Babandede’s confirmation. In the meantime, the NIS continues to provide its vital services to Nigerians and foreigners alike, under the guidance of the Acting CG.
