MARGARET CHIDERA
ABUJA, Nigeria – The leadership, members, and organs of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), have said that Bola Innocent Audu cannot be reinstated automatically as the President of the union in line with the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, ASCSN President, Dr. Tommy Okon, told journalists in Abuja that the union had appealed against the judgment and also secured a stay of execution.
“By virtue of our appeal and application for a stay of execution, it therefore means that Innocent Bola Audu has not been reinstated,” Dr. Okon stated.
He also warned of Audu’s alleged plans to reinstate himself by force, potentially with the help of hoodlums.
Dr. Okon emphasised that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, and possessing a Certified True Copy of a ruling is not equivalent to an execution order.
“You must have the certificate of judgement, and it has to be through the sheriff of the court, not an individual,” he clarified.
The ASCSN President called on security agencies to be vigilant, underscoring the association’s commitment to lawful conduct.
He noted that ASCSN is a leading affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, and any attempt to bring crisis into the union would not be tolerated.
Appealing the judgement is a constitutional right under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Dr. Okon pointed out.
He urged members to remain calm and ignore any mobilisation efforts by Audu.
Following the court ruling, Audu issued statements and published adverts attempting to terminate the retainership of ALECAL councils.
Dr. Okon dismissed these actions, stating that Audu lacks the constitutional authority to make such decisions.
“The power lies with the central working committee and the approval of NEC,” he emphasised.
Dr. Okon clarified that the ASCSN’s leadership remains unchanged, with Comrade Joshua Abegbo as Secretary-General and Comrades Igbokwe and Isaac Ejeneke as Deputy Secretary-Generals.
“There is no acting Secretary-General in ASCSN,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the association’s history, Dr. Okon highlighted their peaceful engagement with the government, including the successful reinstatement of over 17,000 workers last year without conflict.
“This demonstrates our responsibility and constructive approach,” he said.
He reiterated ASCSN’s commitment to job security and reforms, citing their opposition to the Orosanya Report’s recommendations which threatened job losses.
“ASCSN is known for protecting public sector jobs,” Dr. Okon stated.
Dr. Okon called on the government to recognize Audu’s actions and character, asserting that possessing a certified true copy of the judgement does not equate to reinstatement. “This is a clarion call for the government to take note,” he stressed.
Addressing Audu’s legal history, Dr. Okon noted his arrest and trial for human trafficking and extortion.
Although acquitted in April 2023, Audu remains under scrutiny with pending cases before the ICPC. “He is a character that this association has rejected, suspended, and expelled,” Dr. Okon said.
Dr. Okon emphasized that ASCSN is bigger than any individual and that the organs of the association are meeting to ensure the court judgement does not stand.
“We have appealed against the judgement and made a stay of execution order,” he stated.
He concluded by warning against any unlawful attempts by Audu to take control of the ASCSN secretariat, either in Lagos or elsewhere.
“Mobilising thugs is alien to our law,” Dr. Okon declared, urging all stakeholders to respect due process and established protocols.
