UPDATE: Jonathan fires Abba, appoints Arase Ag IGP

A statement today by the presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said Abba was relieved of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

Abati said the president had also appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase as Acting Inspector-General of Police, with immediate effect.

“Until his appointment as Mr. Abba’s replacement, Mr. Arase was the Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department. Mr. Arase holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Law, as well as Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College”, Abati said.

Although the Presidency gave no reason for sacking Abba, a media report had said weekend that powerful forces in the Presidency were pressurising Jonathan to sack him for allegedly not acting the script given the Police Force during the recent general elections.

Abba was first appointed acting IGP on August 1, 2014 following the retirement of his predecessor, Muhammad Abubakar and was confirmed substantive IG by the Police Council on November 4.

The sacked IG was perceived as acting the script of the Presidency when his men prevented the Speaker of the House of Representatives , Aminu Tambuwal, from gaining entrance into the National Assembly Complex on November 20, 2014.

Details later.