Buhari Sacks Nigerian Copyright Commission Board Chairman, Tonye Jaja

Tonye Clinton Jaja, the Nigerian Copyright Commission board chairman has been sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The decision was disclosed in a letter dated October 15 and signed by Tayo Akpata, Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.

This is coming at the time Jaja worked towards the suspension of NCC Director-General, John Asein.

Jaja had called on President Buhari to suspend and investigate the DG.

The former chairman in a letter dated September 22, 2020 had accused Asien of alleged infractions.

Five members of the board, however, dissociated themselves from the letter.

The board members told the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, that are not in support of Jaja’s move.

Their memo signed by Maria Towo Austin-Odigie, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice on the NCC board, said Jaja was orchestrating allegations and petitions against the NCC chief.

Jaja was accused by the board members of personal vendetta and undue interference in operations of the agency.

The chairman in his reaction to the statement of the board members said some board members and officials were shielding Asein.

The ex-chairman noted that since he took a strong stance against “certain corrupt staff, officials and board members”, there have been unrelenting attacks on his reputation and threats to life.

Akpata’s three-paragraph letter read: “I have been directed to inform you of your removal as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Copyright Commission by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as conveyed vide letter Ref: 59312/V/230 of 28th September, 2020.”

“Your removal is with immediate effect and you are, therefore, expected to handover all properties of the Commission in your possession to the Director-General.”

“While wishing you success in your future endeavours, please accept the assurances of the warm regards and best wishes of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”