Bobrisky: I will not defend your reputation, Tunji-Ojo tells Correctional Service
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Monday said he would not defend the reputation of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) over allegations levelled against it on the matter regarding a cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
Tunji-Ojo, who said the matter regarding the popular cross dresser was about reputation management and ethical conducts of para- military agencies under his watch, warned that he would not defend the agencies if they erred while carrying out their responsibilities.
A panel established by the Federal Government few days ago declared that there was no evidence that Bobrisky did not spend his six-month jail term in prison as alleged.
While the panel dismissed the allegations, it however admitted that Bobrisky enjoyed some privileges in the NCoS facilities while serving his term. The panel described the development as unethical and unacceptable.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day Performance Contract Signing Retreat organised for senior officials of the Ministry and the para-military institutions under it, the Minister said the para-military agencies should step up their games on internal security for peace and national growth.
The Retreat had the theme:” United front for a secure nation and future” with all the para-military services such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) the Nigeria Correctional Service, (NCoS) and the Federal Fire Service, (FFS) participating.
Tunji-Ojo said the NCoS in particular should be seen as transformative and reformative towards inmates, while rehabilitation of inmates should be prioritised with respect for human rights and citizen’s dignity.
The Minister said: “The critical role that the federal ministry of interior has to play in the aspect of our internal security is very key.
“Every little effort from each and everyone of you is important because without security you can’t talk about investment, without security you can’t talk about tourism, and industrialization.
Without security, you can’t talk about stabilization of the capital or money market or even employment. So it means that there is no productivity without security.”
Tunji-Ojo said it had become imperative for personnel and staff of the ministry to ensure they align their priorities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by managing their reputation effectively.
He said the paramilitary agencies have critical roles to play in the security architecture of the country, and therefore urged them to be bold and ambitious in their plans.
“You all have a critical role to play in the national security architecture, therefore, this is the time to be very bold, to be very audacious but tenacious if we must take Nigeria to the next level.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service has to be a place where hopes are of hopes renewed and not a place where hopes are truncated and respect for human rights jettisoned. We must treat people with dignity, this is very key, ” the Minister asserted.
Tunji-Ojo further noted the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had its functions well cut out with recent reforms in the Service, stating that more grounds have been covered regarding passports and border security.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said the retreat is an opportunity for staff and agencies in the ministry to “renew our shared sense of duty and commitment to the core mandate of the government.
According to her, staff and personnel of the Ministry should rededicate themselves to fostering an environment where every Nigerian can feel safe, protected and empowered.
“Today’s gathering is more than a contract Signing ceremony, it is a covenant of accountability and a promise to deliver on Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, ” Dr Ajani said.
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