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THE REBOUND OF TUNDE IRUKERA

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10 months ago

August 6, 2025

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By Tunde Olusunle

I returned to the *Daily Times* of yore in October 1993, where I was already a columnist and special section editor before I proceeded on a leave-of-absence, in March 1992. Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memory who was the first civilian Governor of Kogi State had tapped me as his Director of Information and Public Affairs in March 1992. My employers in Lagos obliged me with the permission to honour that call to service. I exited the system voluntarily, however, because the quantum chicanery, debauchery and shenanigans in the public service were alien to me. I had indeed in one instance been accused of deploying my goodwill in the national media to undermine my Principal, Audu! Here was a man who entrusted a 27 year old with a position of state responsibility at that age.

He got used to my principled style of sharing a sofa with him in his living room and savouring wines and lagers, while more senior officials pretentiously squatted on the floor, their gullets covetous of my ice-cold servings. Audu took me like a son until cracks were dug in the wall by third parties, and lizards invited to party in its crevices. Certain fall-outs of this situation were totally at variance with my very strict upbringing, principles and sense of professionalism. I was a child of many mentors and models who had sky high expectations from me. I had to take a stand to save my name and career.

You needed to see the avalanche of congratulatory messages sent to me by post, in the absence of modern day ICT over three decades ago, including my former teachers, Emeritus Professors Olu Obafemi and Niyi Osundare, both worthy recipients of the Nigerian National Order of Merit, (NNOM). Not forgetting the late Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, a former Executive Director in Union Bank, and the United Bank for Africa, (UBA), who I had engaged with at conferences of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) and interviewed on literature and national development. I was never privileged to meet the charismatic multimillionaire business mogul and later politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, (MKO), who surprisingly sent me a telegram. I had a long future ahead of me, I cherished the credibility I was cultivating and wouldn’t sacrifice it for a morsel of porridge.

I first reported to our offices at the Times Publications Division, (TPD), Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, where I submitted my letter notifying the Daily Times leadership of my return from leave-of-absence. Among Editors and colleagues, I was very warmly received. A jostle began between the various publications in the Daily Times stable, about which of them wanted me the most. Dapo Aderinola, Editor of the flagship newspaper in the group, the *Daily Times,* badly wanted me. I was a favourite feature writer, who was headhunted, loved and projected by my bosses, notably the inspirational Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, who as Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, hired me. Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who was my Editor and General Manager of TPD once minuted on a memo seeking his approval for my release for an interstate assignment: *I get a feeling that there is only Tunde Olusunle, and also Imoukhuede Ogunleye, (now departed), in that Department. What are the other fellows doing?* The *Sunday Times,* sister publication to *Daily Times* where I was first deployed upon being employed, was also pitching for me.

Ugochukwu was already Executive Director, Publications that October 1993, and he was to approve my reinstatement and deployment. He summoned me to the corporate headquarters of the Daily Times Group at Kakawa Street in Lagos Island. In his trademark baritone, he welcomed me from my assignment in Kogi and commended me for being a good ambassador of the organisation. He told me he was aware I was being sought after by every title Editor *”which is evidence of what you bring to the job.”* Having considered the requests and options, however, Ugochukwu said he had decided to deploy me to the Editorial Board, the intellectual engine room of the organisation: *”You have come back with broad-based insights which should benefit our wide range of newspapers. The Editorial Board is where you should be, so that your experiences can benefit the newspaper group. The Board of the organisation has also approved your promotion commensurate with your new assignment. Congratulations, Tunde,* Ugochukwu said as he offered me his hand.

I give this background inspired by the recent heartening appointment of Tunde Irukera, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc. Irukera, an attorney with three and half decades of post-call to bar professional experience, has practiced in Nigeria and the United States of America, in a very rich and eventful career. He was full-time Managing Partner, between 2006 and 2017, of *Simmons Cooper Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, founded by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.* He was previously a solicitor with *Partners, Attorneys and Counsellors LLC,* a law concern in Chicago, Illinois, between 2001 and 2006. Irukera’s relationship with Osinbajo culminated in his appointment as Director-General of the now reformed and renamed Consumer Protection Council, (CPC), in 2017.

Irukera approached his job with the kind of dedication and creativity uncommon in Nigeria’s typically self-serving public service. He desired that Nigerian consumers were genuinely truly shielded from the criminal antics and murderous mischief of shylocks, cheats and laggards masquerading as service providers, across board. He regularly and rigorously engaged with stakeholders across the country and admonished Nigerians to report infractions against their rights. These were promptly taken up by the FCCPC to the highest levels of jurisprudence. He took pride in appearing in the courts, fully robed as an attorney, to fight for the people. Sundays were work days for Irukera. You saw him personally leading law enforcement agencies to seal up erring institutions, not in corporate gear, but tee-shirts, jeans trousers and sneakers. Elsewhere, defaulting service providers were penalised in accordance with the provisions of the law. Applicable penalties were paid to designated government coffers, and not cannibalised between erring organisations and pliable public servants, who collaborated to undermine the people and the state. He rebuilt the erstwhile CPC from a wholly dependent department, to a financially independent parastatal, in the new FCCPC.

In 2023, the FCCPC under Irukera generated a historic N56 Billion. This was much more than the annual internally generated revenue raked up by many states especially in the North of Nigeria. He expanded the operations of the organisation for greater effectiveness and recruited many young graduates through very competitive test processes. He took off dozens of qualified and competent youths from despairing streets. New employees covered the enlarged operations of the reinvigorated FCCPC. After covering its salary bills and overhead expenditures, the FCCPC in 2023, still remitted a handsome N22Billion to the coffers of government. Unsolicited trophies and recognitions poured in for Irukera and FCCPC, especially those acknowledging the new regime of transparency in corporate governance, as well as innovation and creativity in the transformed government’s ombudsman.

It was a flustered populace therefore which woke up to the news of the removal of Irukera and the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, same day early January 2024. While no reason was adduced for Irukera’s ouster, Edu was pointedly accused of corrupt enrichment. It took the Bola Tinubu administration about seven weeks before the Senate was able to ratify the concoction that Irukera was “inefficient” at his job! Which was the painful part for a man who poured his all into his job. My revulsion at this development informed my piece *Irukera: How not to Reward Altruism* published February 28, 2024. This explains my specific excitement at Tunde Irukera’s appointment on Thursday July 31, 2025, as Chairman of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, a private sector outfit which prioritises merit, competence, experience and vision. Irukera never went lounging in the waiting rooms of political godfathers hustling for recognition and absorption in the new scheme. That was totally beneath him. What are his well-earned gown and wig for?

I’m not in the business of self-adulation when I share my own experience during my first excursion to the corridors of power in Kogi State, like I’ve done here. I see a congruence in my experience and Irukera’s within the context of the fact that the truth and competence will speak for the just. After the ouster of the Ibrahim Babangida Third Republic project by Sani Abacha late 1993, Audu’s successor, Paul Omeruo recalled me and passed me on to his successor Bzigu Afakirya who retained me for well over a year. I have also been privileged to serve in Nigeria’s Presidency, under a President who was more concerned about what value I could offer, than the location of my father’s house in my community. And here is Irukera also rediscovered for the gem he is and promptly hoisted to the chair of the boardroom of one of the nation’s foremost non-life, general insurance companies. Irukera did well in chambers and courtrooms in Lagos, Abuja, Illinois and elsewhere; he acquitted himself in the sleaze-strewn entrails of the public service, he can only be trusted to distinguish himself in the boardroom of his new corporate brief. I congratulate this humble, fine, cultivated gentleman whose *Yagba* remains unaffected through times and tides, I celebrate this unobtrusive exemplar of finesse and commitment.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

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Faleke Urges Civil Servants to Uphold Integrity, Hails Retiring National Assembly Clerk

Published

1 hour ago

June 7, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Rep. James Faleke, has called on civil servants across the country to uphold integrity, professionalism and due process in the discharge of their duties, describing the public service as a critical pillar of national development.

Faleke made the call in Abuja during the launch of a book titled “The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers”, written by the retiring Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, Mr Oscar Okoro, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday and retirement from service.

The lawmaker praised Okoro’s dedication, commitment and work ethic, describing him as a model civil servant whose career should serve as an inspiration to younger generations entering public service.

According to Faleke, civil servants occupy a strategic position in governance and have a responsibility to ensure that government processes are carried out in accordance with established rules and procedures.

He said: “The civil service mainly, they build the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we, politicians rely on.
“And if the civil servant decide to get this done properly, I think the country will better off. Even when the politician says let us do it the other way and he says no, let us follow the rules. I think Nigeria will better off.

“It is about dedication to the development of Nigeria, when you trust and believe in the country, you will want to see the success of the country.

“Okoro is a very, very hardworking guy, unlike others, he is not money conscious, he just wants to see things accordingly and appreciably.

“And for every time I push him hard, he works harder; I believe he’ is going to succeed very well in his retirement, so I wish him luck, and I pray that the family would not get the better of him”.

Faleke noted that Nigeria will benefit greatly if public servants remained committed to professionalism and resisted pressures to circumvent established procedures.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Rep. Abubakar Saidu, said his relationship with Okoro had grown beyond official duties and evolved into a family bond over the years.

He described the retiring clerk as a consummate professional whose conduct and dedication to service should serve as a guide for younger public servants.
According to him:

“He is very dedicated, very patient, he is a professional, excellent and committed as well as exemplary when it comes to the job,” he said.

Saidu added that future generations of civil servants will have much to learn from Okoro’s approach to public service and his commitment to excellence.

In his remarks, House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, described Okoro as an outstanding public servant whose contributions to the National Assembly and the country would not be forgotten.

Rotimi commended him for what he described as years of meritorious service and dedication to legislative administration.

“My encouragement to people in service is that, this is the kind of person to model and pattern their careers after, people that have integrity and diligence their watch word,” he said.

Rotimi said that though the system has inbuilt mentorship and leadership recruitment processes, Okoro’ wealth of experience and expertise will be greatly missed.

Responding, Okoro attributed his success in life to God Almighty saying that life itself is very difficult and cautious journey.

“You have to know your onions, be hardworking, be patient, humble and respectful; if these are lacking, you are bound to fail either in the National Assembly or anywhere in life,” he said.

Okoro said that he would return to legal practice, consultancy and dedicate the rest of his life to mentorship of younger generations and service to God.

Earlier, the book reviewer, Prof. Kabir Danladi of the Department of Public Law, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) said that the book is a demonstration of hardwork and dedication to service exhibited by the author in the 27 years service to the nation.

He said that the book provides a practical and institutional guide for the Nigerians legislature with focus on the National Assembly.

The professor said that the books covers the constitutional foundation of National Assembly, internal structure, legislative procedure, oversight functions and its relationship with other arms of government.

Danladi said that the 335 pages book is structured acrossed nine chapters, each addressing a distinct legislative life from historical foundation, constitutional law to practical step-by-step guidance on legislative procedure.

He said that there is alternative to reading especially for those who want to grasp the knowledge therein saying that reading is a command for human development and progress.

The professor recommended the book for all lawmakers, politicians and for all Nigerians to read and enhance the understanding of the legislature.

The event drew lawmakers, parliamentary staff, family members and associates who gathered to celebrate Okoro’s retirement and the launch of his book, which offers practical insights into legislative procedures and the workings of Nigeria’s parliament.

Many of the speakers described the book as a valuable resource for lawmakers, legislative aides and students seeking a deeper understanding of parliamentary practice in Nigeria.

News

Stop Demarketing Plateau, Group Cautions Dalung

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Plateau Advocates for Peaceful Co-existence has faulted former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, over what it described as a misleading claim that highways leading to Jos are unsafe for travellers.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Bulus Ayuba, the group said Dalung’s remarks amounted to a false narrative capable of demarketing Plateau State and discouraging visitors, investors and residents from carrying out lawful social and economic activities.
Ayuba acknowledged that some rural communities in the state had suffered attacks over the years, but insisted that such incidents should not be used to misrepresent the entire state or diminish its identity as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
According to him, the people of Plateau have continued to show resilience, hospitality and unity despite security challenges in some areas.
He urged the public to disregard what he called Dalung’s misleading assertion and continue with lawful commercial, social and economic activities that support livelihoods and promote national cohesion.
The group maintained that major routes from Abuja, Bauchi and Gombe to Jos remain accessible and safe for travellers, adding that business activities are going on unhindered across the state.
It also stated that highways linking Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South are safe for movement.
Ayuba further argued that Jos has remained a safe haven for thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing insecurity from parts of the North-East and other regions of the country.
He said this reality confirms the relative peace, stability and hospitality that Plateau State continues to offer residents and visitors.
“Plateau remains the Home of Peace and Tourism. The fact that some rural communities have endured attacks does not erase the identity, resilience and welcoming spirit of the people,” the statement added.

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Reps Recover N521.8m VAT From CBN, Targets Additional ₦33bn in Outstanding Liabilities

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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…as PAC intensify crackdown on revenue leakages

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recovered N521,765,134.17 in unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), marking another milestone in its ongoing investigation into revenue leakages and unremitted government funds.

The recovery emerged from a wide-ranging probe into transactions conducted through the Remita payment platform, an investigation launched following a resolution of the House of Representatives on a motion titled “Investigation of Revenue Leakages Through Remita Platform and Non-Compliance Substantively with Standard Operating Procedure and Other Allied Service Level Agreement.”

The House subsequently mandated the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the allegations and recover all outstanding funds due to the Federal Government.

Under the leadership of Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the panel has undertaken an extensive review of financial transactions, remittances and compliance obligations linked to the Remita platform, with a focus on identifying revenue leakages and ensuring accountability in government revenue collection.

According to findings by the committee, the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to remit VAT amounting to N521,765,134.17, representing the tax component on fees earned from Remita transactions over a period spanning November 2018 to April 2024.

Following the discovery, the committee directed the apex bank to remit the outstanding amount into the Federal Government Treasury and provide evidence of compliance.

In a letter dated May 7, 2026, the CBN informed the committee that it had complied with the directive and submitted documentation confirming that the entire sum had been paid into government coffers.

Speaking on the recovery, Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, said the development underscored the importance of legislative oversight in protecting public funds and promoting accountability across public institutions.

According to him, the recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight in safeguarding government revenue and ensuring that all agencies comply with their statutory obligations.

He reiterated the committee’s determination to recover every kobo owed to the Federal Government and close loopholes that enable revenue leakages within public institutions.

The committee disclosed that its engagement with the Central Bank remains ongoing, particularly regarding the reconciliation and recovery of additional outstanding liabilities identified during the investigation.

Among the amounts still under review are unrefunded charges valued at N954,302,576.67 and accrued interest of N2,329,027,728.92, bringing the total recoverable amount in that category to N3,283,330,305.59 for the period between March 1 and October 31, 2015.

The committee is also pursuing the recovery of unrefunded Treasury Single Account (TSA) collections amounting to N8,993,551,555.94, alongside accrued interest estimated at N20,727,241,152.04.

Together, the outstanding TSA-related liability stands at N29,720,792,707.98.

With additional sums still being scrutinised, the total amount under investigation runs into tens of billions of naira.

The Public Accounts Committee said it will continue its hearing into the matter on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as efforts intensify to recover outstanding public funds and strengthen financial accountability across government institutions.

The latest recovery adds to a growing list of funds reclaimed by the committee as part of its ongoing drive to ensure transparency, improve revenue collection and prevent losses to the nation’s treasury.