The Senate has asserted that President Bola Tinubu holds the legal right, as stipulated by the Nigeria Labour Law, to dismiss any Chief Executive Officer of government agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), such as Barr. Irukera.

This resolution from the upper legislative chamber followed a motion presented by Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, who represents the Ekiti Central Senatorial District and serves as the Leader of the 10th Senate. The motion highlighted the alleged violation of provisions within the FCCPC.

Senator Opeyemi urged the Senate to investigate the removal of the Chief Executive and Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC in order to reinstate him.

“The Senate should examine the request of Mr. President, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regarding the removal of the CEO of FCCPC.”

After several lawmakers contributed to the discussion on the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed in his remarks that the President possesses the authority, as granted by the Nigeria Labour Law, to hire and fire individuals.

“The appointment of public officers is conducted in accordance with the Labour Law, and one cannot impose a willing servant on an unwilling master.”

Ultimately, the motion was rejected through voice votes and did not gain the support of the Senate.