Sack of 23 FUNAAB staff is vindictive, malicious – NLC

Demands immediate recall of affected staff

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the unconditional recall of the 23 staff of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) who were sacked by the management of the Institution.

In a letter to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, dated November 15, 2016 and signed by the NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC described the actions of the management as bordering on “impunity, lawlessness and violation of the workers’ rights.”

The apex Labour union said the anti – corruption crusade of the present administration would not succeed if whistle blowers are not protected from victimisation as was the case with those in FUNAAB.

Many were sacked in FUNAAB following a petition against the Pro – Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Professor Olusola Bamidele respectively to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The letter reads in part: “we have it on good authority that between November 8 and 11, 2016, twenty three staff have been relieved of their appointments maliciously and in a vindictive manner.

“Do permit us to observe that the actions of the Council and Management of FUNAAB do not only constitute impunity and lawlessness but a violation of the fundamental human rights of these workers as enshrined in Section 39 of the 2009 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Honourable Minister Sir, in order for the war on corruption to succeed, whistle blowers must be protected by all means and not victimized as is presently the case of FUNAAB.

"Accordingly, we request you to cause an investigation into what is going on at FUNAAB as well as ensure that the affected workers are recalled unconditionally.”

Source: The nation