News

Sacked CBN workers seek reinstatement

Published

4 months ago

June 9, 2024

Sacked CBN workers seek reinstatement

Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria are grappling with the shock of their sudden dismissal, accusing the management of maltreatment and injustice.

They claimed that many were not paid their entitlements before their sacking, a move they argued violates the bank’s human resource rules and policy.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State capital, the North Central Coordinator of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development Association Youth Wing, Paul Dekete, called for the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers.

The statement read, “The purge wasn’t limited to high-level executives. It extended far beyond directors, impacting Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors who formed the backbone of departmental operations. These were not junior staff; they were seasoned professionals with deep institutional knowledge.

“For example, the Director of Information Technology was overseeing crucial projects on the very day they were terminated, including efforts to secure international information security certifications for the bank.

“In a particularly egregious case, a Director on special assignment, tasked with leading the bank’s efforts to secure an ISO certification for information security, was sacked on the very day the bank successfully achieved this crucial milestone.

“Central banking relies heavily on robust cybersecurity measures, and this certification is a testament to the Director’s competence and the bank’s commitment to financial security. This abrupt dismissal, on the day of a major accomplishment, raises serious questions about the planning and rationale behind the mass layoffs.”

The statement further said, “The mass sack violated the bank’s own HR policy, which mandates board approval for executive terminations.

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“This blatant disregard for due process has raised serious questions about transparency. The CBN, a federal institution, must adhere to public service rules. This dismissal exercise, carried out without board approval, lacks a solid legal foundation.

“Making matters worse, the bank offered no clear criteria for the mass sacking. This is a stark departure from their established culture of clear communication with staff during downsizing exercises.”

Dekete, on behalf of the sacked CBN workers further said, “Loyal employees, some with over 30 years of dedicated service, were cast aside with a cold, impersonal letter stating “your services are no longer required.” This callous act extended to a Deputy Director who was let go even though she had already completed all the necessary paperwork and her retirement letter was ready to be issued.

“The human cost of this heartless exercise is staggering. Many staff members had used their salaries as collateral for loans tied to their remaining years of service at the CBN. With their abrupt termination, these loans were immediately deducted from their final paychecks, leaving some with nothing and others still indebted to the bank. The impact on these individuals and their families is devastating, with their dreams and financial security shattered in an instant.

“The CBN’s purge extended beyond individual hardship, raising serious concerns about ethnic bias. Reports indicate that some states saw over 80% of their executive staff removed, with North Central and South Eastern regions disproportionately affected. This blatant disregard for the principle of federal character raises troubling questions about the bank’s commitment to national unity.

“Staff morale has plummeted, with a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty gripping the institution. Every Friday is met with dread, as rumours swirl of another list of targeted employees. The reported use of an external consultant, seemingly unfamiliar with the bank’s HR policies and civil service regulations, only exacerbates the lack of trust and transparency.”

The CBN’s mass dismissal included the entire Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), a Unit in the bank tasked with the critical function of identifying and monitoring illegal financial activities within Nigeria. Established in 2018, the EIU was meticulously built by cherry-picking the bank’s brightest minds across various departments.

According to Dekete, the loss of these highly trained professionals represents a significant blow to the bank’s institutional knowledge and capacity to combat money laundering and other illicit financial activities.

He noted that the nature of the sack shows an attempt to cripple the Middle-belt region of the state as Gombe, Plateau and Benue are affected most.

Sacked CBN workers seek reinstatement

News

BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 1st of October 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the Nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion.

In a statement signed Saturday in Abuja, by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

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Aligning himself with the theme for the Anniversary, the Minister reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.

BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence

News

Tinubu makes new appointments

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu makes new appointments

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step toward establishing the North West Development Commission (NWDC) by submitting the names of its inaugural Governing Board members to the Senate for approval.

This action follows the President’s recent signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on July 24, further advancing the Commission’s formation aimed at the socio-economic development of the region.

According to a statement released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has nominated Amb. Haruna Gindau from Jigawa to serve as the Board Chairman. Additionally, Prof. Abdullahi Ma’aji from Kano has been selected as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO).

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Other key nominations for the Board include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto), Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi), and Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara). The President also nominated Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna), Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano), Shamsu Sule (Katsina), and Nasidi Ali (Jigawa) as members of the Board.

The newly appointed members are expected to bring their experience and knowledge to advance the Commission’s mission of driving development across the North-West region.

The NWDC aims to promote economic growth, social development, and empowerment within the region. The statement emphasized the President’s dedication to supporting the Commission in achieving its development goals.

Tinubu makes new appointments

News

Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike

Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to recruit 900 healthcare workers to strengthen staffing in its hospitals.

The decision was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during an awards dinner hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.

The event, which served as the conclusion of the 2024 FCT Nurses Week, began with Jumaat prayers on Sept. 20 and culminated with the awards night.

Adams revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given the green light for the recruitment of the healthcare personnel.

Additionally, approval has been granted for the hiring of 342 other health professionals, with recruitment efforts expected to commence shortly.

In further remarks, Adams stated his intention to submit a proposal advocating for the establishment of a dedicated village for health professionals before the end of the current administration.

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He also indicated that plans were underway to enhance transportation for nurses, with discussions already initiated with WEMA and Zenith banks to facilitate this support.

He emphasized that the forthcoming proposal would include a seamless payment system for these initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Council, called for the expansion of hospitals across the FCT, noting that many districts lack adequate healthcare facilities. He highlighted that the growing population in the FCT has far exceeded the capacity of existing hospitals, underscoring the need for more infrastructure and medical equipment.

Medan encouraged nurses to remain dedicated to their profession despite the challenges of heavy workloads, urging them to resist the temptation to migrate abroad or switch careers. He praised Minister Wike’s efforts to improve conditions in the FCT, expressing optimism that the hard work of healthcare professionals would soon be rewarded.

“The minister has already made significant strides, beginning with the approval of a 25% salary increase and other benefits for nurses,” Medan noted.

During the event, the award for the Best Nurse in the FCT was presented to Rosemary Okoroafor from Karshi General Hospital. The honor was bestowed by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.