A coalition of public sector workers has expressed disappointment with the manner the sacked ex-Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina was reabsorbed into the Federal civil service.
The coalition under the aegis of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) made the call Wednesday, following to the controversies surrounding the reinstatement of Maina, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle his cabinet.
In a statement by the ASCSN’s Secretary-General, Alade Bashir Lawal, the group expressed disappointment over Maina, who was fired in 2013 for illicit practices in respect to about N2 billion pension funds, was smuggled into the Federal Civil Service by top government officials alleged to be close to the President.
‘’Information at the public domain shows that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and the Minister of Interior, Lt-General Abdulrahaman Dambazau, cannot be entirely extricated from the conspiracy that led to the illegal re-absorption of Maina into the Federal Civil Service.
‘’Thus, the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari has again dismissed Abdulrasheed Maina from Service is good news but what the public now expects is for Mr. President to instill sanity into the inner core of his administration by sacking those who are bent on ruining his reputation as a man of integrity,’’ the Union emphasized.
The ASCSN added that the persistent acts of impunity by some high ranking individuals in the cabinet had continued to disgrace the Government.
‘’If the President does not act to replace some of his personal aides that are besmearing the image of his government, the impression will continue to be created that he may be privy to their ignoble acts.
‘’Besides, apart from dismissing Abdulrasheed Maina from Service, relevant Government Agencies should take necessary steps to bring him to justice,’’ the Union added.
ASCSN, pointed out the irony that somebody declared wanted by the EFCC and the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) could arrive the country and resume office as a Director in the Ministry of Interior of all places without being arrested by the security agencies.
The Union also posited that Public Service Rule 030413 stated clearly that any officer who abandoned his or her duty post would be dismissed from Service.
‘’This is the more reason why those who conspired to reinstate Abdulrasheed Maina into the Federal Civil Service and gave him double promotion must be disciplined and brought to account so as to act as deterrence to others.
The ASCSN recalled the case of an officer who is above the age of 60 years but was smuggled into the service as a Permanent Secretary by EFCC.
It expressed regret that the fellow who is about 63 years now is still serving in spite of the fact that retirement age in the Civil Service still remains 60 years.
