The joint unions in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, have condemned the announcement by Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, referring to some members of the agency’s board as executive board members.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) made their position known in a letter addressed to Akpabio on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Akpabio announced the constitution of a new board for FERMA but referred to some of the members as executive board members, as against the usual members of the board.
The letter, jointly signed by Paul Onimisi, ASCSN Chairman, and Mr Abdulmumin Idris, AUPCTRE Chairman, described Akpabio’s announcement as discouraging and demoralising to FERMA staff.
“The appointment of some members as executive board members to eventually take over the running of the departments is contrary to the FERMA Act and detrimental to the career progression of the employees of the agency.
“It will not serve the agency any good in achieving its mandate.
“The appointment of some persons as executive board members is contrary to the provisions of Section 2(2) of the FERMA Act as amended and career progression within government agencies.
“It is counterproductive and demoralising for career officers as the intention is for the executive board members to take over from career officers who are running departments.
“We urge you respectfully, distinguished Senate President, to confirm the appointment of members of the board in accordance with the Act that created the board.
“To do otherwise is to usher in a chain of events that will disrupt the structure of the Agency, derail its mandate and demoralise the workers,” the unions maintained.
The union maintained that the announcement was contrary to FERMA’s constitution.
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