NBA-YLF Summit: Tunji-Ojo Addresses Passport Irregularities And Legal Expertise In President Tinubu’s Administration
At the ongoing Youth Leadership Summit organized by the Young Lawyers Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed a concerning revelation that foreigners, including citizens of Niger Republic, possess Nigerian passports, emphasizing the urgent need for rectification.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the event themed “Breaking the Old Order of Governance and Advocacy,” Tunji-Ojo expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, assuring attendees that a verification system has been introduced into the passport application and issuance process.
“We have been able to introduce a verification system into passport application and issuance,” stated the minister, acknowledging the existence of individuals from Niger Republic and other countries holding Nigerian passports.
Tunji-Ojo reassured the public that corrective measures are underway to rectify the irregularities in passport issuance.
Highlighting the legal expertise within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the minister listed key lawyers advising Tinubu, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
He expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to address national issues, stating, “this administration has no reason not to get it right.”
The President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, echoed the sentiment that Nigeria, with its potential, can achieve greatness. However, he acknowledged the general dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the current state of affairs despite various governance processes and advocacies.
Addressing the need for change, Maikyau endorsed breaking away from the old order of governance and advocacy. He announced a mentorship program for young lawyers, emphasizing the importance of learning the “attitude and approach to work” through practical experiences in law firms.
In response to insecurity challenges, Abdulrauf Tijjani Aboki, Chairman of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum Governing Council, asserted the NBA’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at promoting the rule of law. He emphasized that the issue of insecurity affects everyone and called on the government’s executive and legislative arms to take substantial actions in addressing the challenges.
