Buhari Goes Tough On Ex-Govs, Jonathan’s Ministers, Aides…Withdraws Their Diplomatic Passports

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has taken another tough decision today through the Nigerian Immigration Service which has formally withdrawn diplomatic passports held by former governors, ministers and special advisers in the immediate past government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, among others.

Others whose passports were also withdrawn include former Senators and members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, heads of parastatals and retired civil servants.

A statement by MK Abeshi, Comptroller General of Immigration today said: “Further to the directive on the withdrawal of diplomatic and official passports held by unauthorised persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service hereby directs all affected persons to comply forthwith. These persons include, among others, former state governors, senators, members of House of Representatives, members of state Houses of Assembly, ministers, commissioners, special advisers/special assistants, chairmen/deputy chairmen of local governments areas, all retired heads of parastatals and retired public servants.”

The Immigration Service stated that the diplomatic passports of people in the category listed had been revoked, while advising that they “return them to the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, Sauka Abuja with immediate effect.”

It warned that failure to comply with this directive “will amount to an offence under the Immigration Act 2015,” stating, “such unauthorised possession will be impounded at our control posts on arrival or departure.”