Ofumelu Not Behind NATFORCE Jobs, Programme Was Halted Nationwide — Aide

 

A media aide to former lawmaker, Hon. Barr. Vincent Ofumelu, has dismissed allegations linking his principal to fake employment under the National Taskforce on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation and Smuggling of Arms (NATFORCE), describing the claims as politically motivated and misleading.

In a statement issued on behalf of the former representative of Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the 9th House of Representatives, Chukwuma Okafor said reports circulating on social media were sponsored by opposition figures seeking to tarnish Ofumelu’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okafor clarified that the NATFORCE Establishment Bill, 2022, was duly passed by both chambers of the National Assembly as part of efforts aligned with ECOWAS protocols to combat arms smuggling and related crimes. According to him, the initiative was in its early implementation phase when individuals across constituencies were engaged in anticipation of full operations.

He explained, however, that the programme was later halted nationwide following a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser under retired Major General Babagana Monguno, citing security and regulatory concerns.

“The suspension was a blanket decision affecting all states and constituencies. As it stands today, no Nigerian is legitimately working under NATFORCE anywhere in the country,” the statement noted.

The aide argued that the allegation of fake employment is unfounded since the entire initiative was stopped before becoming operational, stressing that no lawmaker had the authority to override the federal directive.

“At the time of the engagements, there was a legitimate expectation that the programme would take off, based on legislative progress. It is misleading to now label that process as fraudulent,” he added.

Okafor further defended Ofumelu’s record in office, citing infrastructure projects, youth empowerment initiatives, and job facilitation efforts across the constituency as evidence of his commitment to public service.

He accused critics of distorting facts for political gain and warned against the spread of misinformation, insisting that such actions undermine public discourse.