The Centre for Consumer Concern Initiative (CCCI), a leading civic organisation dedicated to consumer protection, fair, and safe marketplace in Nigeria, has noted with unease the removal of Mr. Babatunde Irukera as Executive Vice- Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC).
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Wednesday by the Director of Communication and Publicity of the Centre, Fola Ademosu, it noted that the CCCI had collaborated with FCCPC on various occasions during Irukera’s tenure, resulting in significant initiatives.
“One of such initiatives is the sustained advocacy for responsible borrowing and lending, done jointly by CCCI and the consultancy firm Consumertrics with the aim to protect borrowers against the unethical recovery tactics employed by loan sharks.
“As stakeholders in the consumer space, we state unequivocally that Irukera’s tenure at the FCCPC was marked by impactful actions and undeniable accomplishments.
“We respect President Bola Tinubu’s right to select persons with whom he feels comfortable, but we object to the word ‘dismissal’ used in the statement announcing Irukera’s removal from the position.
“We choose to view his exit as an action by a new government replacing leftover appointees of his predecessor with his, a common practice in our political space,” the group said.
It stated that Irukera was leaving the FCCPC better than he met it, but said it was concerned that his unceremonious removal might deter other technocrats from offering their expertise.
“It is evident with the development that their hard earned reputation and contributions would someday be rubbished on altar of cronyism and favouritism.
“CCCI is proud of Irukera’s achievements and wish him well in his future endeavours. At the same time, we urge the federal government not to delay in appointing a capable successor, as we declare our readiness to continue to engage the FCCPC,” it added.
As an organisation, the group said it remained committed to advocating for safe products, reliable services, promoting customer satisfaction and inspiring in consumers the knowledge to make informed choices.
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
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