As contained in a classified dismissal letter signed by one Muhammad Amin for the Director General of the NIA, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the agent was dismissed for having an ‘obstructive airway disease’.
Sources within the spy agency said this may be just another shade to the definition of nepotism and statutory corruption pervading Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari, recently, secretly, gifted his unqualified nephew, one Mr. Sabiu “Tunde” Yusuf, with the position of an Assistant Director at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), a move which many have described as typical of “Buhari’s sectional and corrupt determination to cram national security positions with his tribe’s men and leave strong influence long after serving out his tenure in 2023”.
The dismissal letter states that the medical reports recommended that the dismissed agent, Okonkwo, should not engage in strenuous exercises.
“Medical reports indicate that you have an obstructive airway disease and should therefore not engage in strenuous exercises. Unfortunately, the job for which you were recruited requires physical activities.”
“Management has reviewed your case and has regrettable(sic) directed that your provisional appointment should be terminated with immediate effect in line with extant rules and regulations.”
“However, be rest-assured that all your outstanding entitlements will be paid to you accordingly. Management also expresses it’s best wishes to you in your future endeavors.” The letter read.
A source in the NIA confirmed to Pointblanknews.com that Prior to his dismissal, Mr. Sunday C. Okonkwo underwent the rigorous training exercises designed by the agency.
The source, a ranking agent staff of the agency said that the poise of the dismissed, earned him respect among the ranks, hence, he commanded parades because of his outstanding performance.
“Okonkwo came second in shooting practices and other events in their camping. Only to be told they can’t continue with him because he wouldn’t engage in swimming sessions due to his health (Asthmatic).”
The source who described the dismissal as politically motivated also confirmed the secret appointment of President Buhari’s nephew, Sabiu “Tunde” Yusuf, as an Assistant Director in the NIA.
Another source within the NIA hinted that Buhari’s nephew, Sabiu did not undergo any of those interviews, medical checks or physical examinations yet was employed above others.
“Actions such as these could only weaken the resolve of dedicated agents, knowing that they may just be flippantly kicked out for flimsy reasons management deemed necessary.” the source stressed.
Mr. Yusuf, said to be in his mid-30s, “has not been regular on the job because of his primary duties at the State House” as published in an early report.
Sabiu “Tunde” Yusuf, a nephew and domestic aide to Buhari, was recently admitted as an assistant director at the nation’s external intelligence outfit.
Buhari inserted Mr. Yusuf into the NIA even though he lacked requisite field and administrative experience to handle the rigours of the crucial intelligence top job.