Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, May 20, said Opara's dismissal took effect from Thursday (yesterday).

“His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has in the exercise of his powers, approved the disengagement of Mr. John Kennedy Opara as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission with effect from Thursday May 19 2016,” the statement read.

“Mr. President, however, thanked him for his invaluable services to the nation and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

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Reasons for Opara's dismissal were however not stated.