Okoh, Irukera Removed, Not Dismissed From Office – Presidency

The Presidency has corrected itself on the removal of the director-general/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alexander Ayoola Okoh, and EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Babatunde Irukera from office, saying both of them were not dismissed but relieved of their duties.
Bayo Onanuga, who is special adviser, information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, made the correction to the earlier statement that announced their purported dismissal from office.

“I have followed the concerns in the media on the report that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Babatunde Irukera EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Alexander Ayoola Okoh – director-general/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

“The president’s directive did not intend a dismissal. The two men who have served our country were relieved of their duties by the president, as he scouts for their successors. The connotations implied in using the word ‘dismissal’ were clearly not intended in the statement issued,” Onanuga stated on his verified X account.
In a reaction to the development, Okoh who was initially quite disturbed by the tone of the news publication, said he was delighted that the mode of the exit had now been clarified “to remove any connotation on my integrity.”

The former BPE DG said it was an incredible experience working in government for the past six years and eight months.

Both Okoh and Irukera were relieved of their duties on January 8 2023.