Buhari Ignores Pressure To Reinstate Daura

Former DG, DSS, Lawal Daura

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari is reported to have ignored pressure for the reinstatement of sacked Director-General of Department of State Service, DSS, Mr Lawal Daura.

This, according to The Nation, stated that president had foreclosed the recall despite pressure from some forces, including members of his kitchen cabinet.

It reported that some of the lobbyists went to see the President in London to mount pressure for the reversal of Daura’s sack.

It can also be recalled that Dr Junaid Mohammed, a second republic lawmaker, had also revealed the pressure mounted on Buhari to reinstate the former DSS boss.

Daura was sacked by then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for the blockade of the entrance of the National Assembly, which caused outrage in the country.

According to The Nation, “those against the ex-security chief’s return argued that his sack saved the nation’s democracy and boosted the Buhari administration’s democratic credentials.

The battle has since shifted to the Presidency, over the search for a new Director-General.’’

While some people want the position zoned to the North, others support the confirmation of the Acting Director General, Mr. Mathew Seiyefa, who is from Bayelsa state.

“The forces pushing for Daura’s reinstatement have lost the battle because the President has foreclosed his return.

“The President has no plans to bring back Daura under any guise. He believes this administration is one and will not overrule his deputy. He is a man of discipline and not an ethnic bigot.

“What happened is that some ministers, a few kitchen cabinet members and influential people close to the President sneaked into London to meet with Buhari to overturn Daura’s sack,’’ the Nation reported.

Seiyefa, is the most senior Director in the DSS.

Daura, was sacked over the unauthorised blockade of the National Assembly, preventing some senators and workers from gaining entrance.

Osinbajo described the blockade as a gross violation of constitutional order, rule of law and all accepted notions of law and order.

According to him, the unlawful act which was done without the knowledge of the Presidency is condemnable and completely unacceptable.

Osinbajo, however assured Nigerians that all persons within the law enforcement apparatus who participated in this travesty will be identified and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

Daura, born 5 August 1953, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 2 July 2015, following the dismissal of his predecessor Ita Ekpeyong.

He once worked in the service and retired.