By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has expressed confidence in Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Mahama, to bring positive change and progress to his nation.

Tinubu, accompanied by several Nigerian governors, attended the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, describing it as a testament to democracy’s growth in Africa.

In a statement delivered during the event and released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the peaceful transition of power facilitated by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He emphasized that the ceremony symbolized Ghana’s democratic maturity and Africa’s capability to achieve political and economic milestones.

Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support to Ghana and its people, reaffirming his dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering unity across Africa. He highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in tackling shared challenges, including poverty, unemployment, instability, and insurgency.

“It is always a moment of pride when a close neighbor succeeds. Today, we celebrate not just Ghana’s democracy but Africa’s progress,” Tinubu said. He underscored the continent’s achievements in proving critics wrong, stating, “Africa has nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We are charting our path to success, lifting our nations out of poverty, and building resilient economies.”

Tinubu commended President John Mahama’s vision and patriotism, describing him as a leader deeply committed to Ghana’s mission and prosperity. “Your new president is a man of substance and vision who loves his nation and its people. He is determined to guide Ghana toward fulfilling its destiny,” Tinubu remarked.

He further drew inspiration from Ghana’s founding leader, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, celebrating the shared heritage between Ghana and Nigeria. “The spirit of Nkrumah lifts Ghana’s Black Star higher. As Nigeria draws strength from its founders, Ghana does the same, creating a bond that unites our nations in purpose and action,” he said.

Tinubu urged Ghana’s new administration to prioritize regional integration through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasizing that cooperation is vital for addressing the region’s pressing concerns. He called for unity, dialogue, and mutual respect among African nations, asserting, “Even when we disagree, we must resolve our differences through dialogue, ensuring our unity remains intact.”

President Tinubu concluded his address by expressing optimism for Africa’s future. “This is not just a victory for Ghana but a victory for African democracy. Let us continue to build a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity,” he stated.

In closing, Tinubu extended his blessings to Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and the entire African continent, wishing the new government under President Mahama immense success. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with Ghana to achieve shared prosperity and progress.

“May Ghana’s democracy grow stronger. May the bond between our nations remain unbroken. Together, we shall overcome our challenges and create a brighter future for all Africans,” Tinubu said.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Fired staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria who were relieved of their jobs in a mass layoff last year have dragged the bank before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

In an originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, the aggrieved staff members raised several questions for determination.

The Ex-CBN staff members among others, are asking the court to determine whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated while they claimed that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

The claimants, Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, Stephen Ambore, Edom Obi, Dabo Chundung, Ekpe-Oko Roupa, Alabi Mubarak, Isa Yusuf, Quadru Ralph, Olasupo Adedokun, Dauda Yusuf, Ogidi Tolu, Levi David, Umar Kurba, Christopher Alfred, Gana Nma, Tanko Joel, Iyare Christian, Paul Iza, Alzebeokhai Esiemokhai, Pius Odunze, Isiuwe Uwadiahu, Vivienne Usoro, Imoh Francis, Ofili Lydia, Onunkwor Christopher, Adeshina Nurudeen, Bukar Ahmed and Ajayi Omosolape.

All 33 of them, represented by Okwudili Abanum, in a class action lawsuit, argued that the termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

Adding that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

They also stated that the termination letters, issued based on restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

On this note, the claimants sought an order declaring their dismissal null and void.

Additionally, the claimants sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures

They also prayed to the court for a declaration ordering their immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

The suit referenced Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.

The claimants noted that the provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

They also sought N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.

In another document dated November 20, 2024, during the first mention of the suit, the court urged the parties in the dispute to seek an amicable resolution of the matter.

The presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae said “This is a new matter, it is mentioned for the 1st time. I have looked at the processes and it is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequential, parties are encouraged pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt amicable settlement”.

Meanwhile, the CBN represented by a team of lawyers led by Inam Wilson informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit dated November 4, 2024, and he had recently been served with the claimants’ wish to respond to the counter.

Justice Osaghae, following the defendant’s counsel submission, adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a hearing of the preliminary Objection.

Recall that in 2024, the apex bank terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff in four batches between March and May of the aforementioned year.

While some laid-off staff claimed that they received severance payments as low as N5,000, others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.

Although the layoff was officially attributed to reorganisation and human capital restructuring, the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.

On December 4 last year, the Central Bank said its early exit package was entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff.

Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has re-assured corps members that they would start receiving N77,000 minimum wage.

Speaking in Abuja when he commissioned a staff bus donated by Capital Express Insurance company, the DG said arrangements for their increased allowances to be paid have been concluded.

He assured corps members that his priority was their security and welfare, hence in 2025 they would get all benefits that they deserve.

Ahmed noted that the bus donated to the scheme for staff was to ease transportation issues.

He noted that staff of the scheme and corps members serving in the scheme have always complained that it was difficult for them transporting themselves to and from office.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Express Insurance company, Mr. Matthew Ogwezhi, said the scheme and his company have been in partnership for a while and the donation was part of the partnership to support the activities of the scheme.

He said the company made the donation to support the staff transportation to and from work as the price of fuel and transportation was expensive in the Abuja metropolis.

He said the legacy of every organization is the impact they make in the society they find themselves, hence, they should always give back to the society.