What I did that got me retired at 48 — Ex-APC National Chairman, Oyegun

Ex-All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun, has explained why he did that got him retired from the civil service at the age of 48.

Oregon, who was a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service during the Military regime, said he stood up against corruption in the military, and for that, he knew his days in office were over.

Oyegun disclosed this during his closing remarks at the formal commissioning of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, JOOPSA, an Institution named after him by the Edo State government to celebrate his 84-year birthday and 19 years of meritorious service as a civil servant at the federal level.

Oyegun said: “I was called to manage the Nigeria Airways as Managing Director but refused because the Minister of Aviation was then a Military man. I refused the offer because he will not allow me to do my job. I was that fearless to tell him to his face politely that he will not let me function effectively and will lose credibility with passengers.

“I was bold to tell the Military what I want as a permanent secretary to ensure I don’t get into trouble. The IBB administration then posted me to various Ministries including that of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The first thing the Military did was send me a list of people to be retired but I am not the one to retire them but write to the Public Service Commission with reasons. I sat with my Commissioner, an Armoured Commander in the Military, who could not tell me what these people did but said the instructions are from the Supreme Headquarters.

“Three Military officers were appointed by the IBB regime to supervise the different import licenses and I was told that I will be the one to sign all the import licenses but I politely refused. I told them I can’t do that because I was not responsible for it and where I come from we don’t behave this way. Immediately after that conversation, I knew I would be sacked and I went to report myself to the Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation at that time.

“I went to my office, instructed my secretary to prepare a resignation letter, so I can retire before the Military could sack me. We all have a decision to make, it requires courage to take major steps to maintain integrity, defend what you stand for.

“When there was a crisis at the Ministry of Internal Affairs I was the only signatory of the Nigerian Passport at that time, I did all my duties and responsibilities, maintaining my integrity. I retired at 48 years after 19 years of service.

“The greatest problem we have in this country is not how many beautiful roads that you construct, or schools’ roof coloured changed. We are now in a society that has lost its values, ethics, morality and ability to tell rights from wrongs and the focus should be how to change the system and that is where JOOPSA comes in as the academy will equip those that pass through it with re-orientation of the mind indicating that service, excellent performance, and integrity matters as all will be rewarded passing through the system.”