NCC board chair Tonye Jaja sacked

The board chairman Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Tonye Clinton Jaja, has been relieved of his duty by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Blueprint can authoritatively report that the removal which was dated 28th September 2020 with Ref: no 59312/v/230 was with immediate effect.

The removal was contained in a letter dated October 15 and signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN).

This medium recalls that earlier, Jaja had sought the suspension of NCC Director-General, John Asein.

In a letter written to the president, the former chairman equally urged him to suspend and investigate the DG Asien of alleged infractions.

However, five board members dissociated themselves from the action, and told AGF Malami that they never endorsed Jaja’s move and that he acted on his own.

In a memo signed by Maria Towo Austin-Odigie, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice on the NCC board said Jaja was orchestrating allegations and petitions against the NCC chief.

They accused him of personal vendetta and undue interference in operations of the agency.

Reacting, Jaja further alleged that some board members and officials were shielding Asein.

The ex-chairman noted that since he took a strong stance against “certain corrupt staff, officials and board members”, there have been unrelenting attacks on his reputation and threats to life.

Jaja reported them to the presidency, the AGF and the Police, but has now lost the battle.

Apata’s three-paragraph letter read: “I have been directed to inform you of you removal as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Copyright Commission by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as conveyed vide letter Ref: 59312/V/230 of 28th September, 2020.

“Your removal is with immediate effect and you are, therefore, expected to hand over all properties of the Commission in your possession to the Director-General.

“While wishing you success in your future endeavours, please accept the assurances of the warm regards and best wishes of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”

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