Court dismisses executive director’s request for tenure elongation

 The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday dismissed a request for tenure elongation, filed by Mr Collins Kalabare, to continue as the Executive Director, Nigeria-Sao-Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority. Justice Rakiya Haastrup, in her judgment, dismissed the suit and granted no claims as sought by the claimant. The judge said the claimant’s appointment was […]

 The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday dismissed a request for tenure elongation, filed by Mr Collins Kalabare, to continue as the Executive Director, Nigeria-Sao-Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority.

Justice Rakiya Haastrup, in her judgment, dismissed the suit and granted no claims as sought by the claimant.

The judge said the claimant’s appointment was a political one, which could either be renewed or not, and that it is the prerogative of the President of the Federation to do so.

Kalabare, a Nigerian who was representing Nigeria in the Authority had filed a suit seeking to remain in office after expiration of his 6-year tenure.

He had approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja to renew his tenure and be paid all his entitlements.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kalabare was appointed in 2009 by Late President Umar Musa Yar’adua.

The claimant, whose tenure as Executive Director of Nigeria-Sao-Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority expired in October, 2015, had continued to serve Nigeria in that capacity.

He claimed that it was after six months after the expiration of his tenure that he was notified that his appointment was not renewed.

Kalabare said the development informed his decision to approach the court to prevail on the Joint Authority to let him remain in office.

NAN reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Attorney General of the Federation were joined as co-respondents in the suit. (NAN)