NPC workers demand probe of commission’s funding

Workers of the National Population Commission (NPC) on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to probe the funding and expenditure of the commission in last four years. The workers made the appeal as a resolution of their congress meeting in Abuja to review their ongoing work to rule action. They said the investigation would unravel […]

Workers of the National Population Commission (NPC) on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to probe the funding and expenditure of the commission in last four years.

The workers made the appeal as a resolution of their congress meeting in Abuja to review their ongoing work to rule action.
They said the investigation would unravel an alleged corruption that has bedevilled the commission.
This is part of the communiqué jointly signed by Mrs Rita Agaba, leader of the NPC workers union; and Messrs Aminu Abashiya, Ibrahim Saleh and Ogunyemi Funke.

The communiqué, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the resolution followed the outcome of their committee with the Chairman of the commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, on Jan. 22.
The workers acknowledged that the chairman persuaded them to suspend their demand for the removal of the reappointed Director-General of NPC, Dr Ghaji Bello.
However, the congress held on Jan. 23, considered the request of the chairman and national commissioners to allow Bello resume for another term as “insensitive, selfish and tendentious’’.
“The members of staff have maintained a stand that the former DG, Ghaji Bello, would not return to the commission.
“The staff members are aware of the reasons for the position of the chairman who is afraid that Ghaji Bello will expose his illicit financial dealings.
“The members can no longer keep quiet in the face of brazen theft and corruption that has characterised the commission in the last four years.
“The commission which aspire to become the population centre of excellence and most responsive public institution in the country has lost her pride of place among institutions in similar standing due to the conduct of those at the helm of affairs,” the communiqué read in part.
The congress however endorsed the no-confidence vote passed by the management staff on the reappointed director-general “and by extension the chairman and also to the commissioners that have not demonstrated enough sense of responsibility in discharging their duties’’.
The unions therefore advised all members to continue with the “work to rule action’’ until all demands were met.
“We are aware that government activities in the commission have been at a standstill since the reappointment of the DG was announced.
“And in order for government activities to continue without any further hindrance, government should consider as matter of urgency the appointment of an Ag. Director-General pending the resolution of issues in dispute.
“We are calling for the suspension of expenditure on the one billion and sixty eight million Naira (N1,068,000,000.00) pending the appointment of an Ag. Director-General for the commission,’’ it stated.
NAN also gathered that copies of the communiqué were sent to the chairman of the commission; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; and the Minister of labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, for necessary action.
The management of NPC was yet to react to the workers demands. (NAN)