A group, Civil Society Coalition for Transparency (CSCT) has condemned the purported suspension of the entire management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), saying the minister’s action was illegal and suspicious.
The group in a statement, Sunday by its national president, Comrade Mike Femi, demanded the immediate reversal of the minister’s decision, saying he has no right to sack or suspend an appointee of the president without due process.
He said the group considered that the minister goofed in his bid to remove the claimed disloyal management of the NSITF.
“We observed that the purported indefinite suspension of Somefun and other senior management staff of the NSITF for alleged financial infraction is unconfirmed and cannot be substantiated owing to the fact that the minister‘s action is against the directive issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as instructed by Mr. President
“The circular clearly states that no minister should be suspended or sacked by any agency appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
“For emphasis, on no account shall a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unilaterally or arbitrarily remove a serving chief executive officer, without recourse to the procedure contained in this circular.
“The memo also stated that ministers should follow procedures by going through the governing boards of the agencies. Again, such recommendations should be forwarded to the SGF to act if need be.
“The suspension is malicious and an act of hatred as it did not follow the civil service rules. We also consider that the minister goofed in his bid to remove the claimed disloyal management of the NSITF. Having observed that the minister is emotional and expresses his personal grievance,” the group said.
The group demanded that the minister recall the letter and follow the due process.
The letter added that the minister is emotional and he expressed his personal grievance.
