Kogiflame
Contrary to the claim that over 13 staff of Ajaokuta Iron and Steel company were “dismissed,” without ministerial approval, the Union Leaders of the company has said that their appointments were terminated and not dismissed.
The Chairman, Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN), Comrade Usman Bashiru, Chairman, Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN), Comrade Ibrahim Audu Abdulrahman in a press statement issued on Wednesday and made available to Newsmen in Lokoja stated that the Four Unions of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited reaffirm that theye are not part of management’s administrative or disciplinary panels.
They noted that their role is to advocate for fairness, due process, and industrial peace in all matters affecting our members.
His words, “Dismissal, under Public Service Rule (PSR) 030407, is a punitive sanction reserved for proven cases of gross misconduct. Termination, however, is an administrative action under PSR 030306(v), applied when continued service is deemed undesirable, but where the management opts for a less severe measure
“It is therefore inaccurate to describe the cases as “dismissals.” The terminations were administrative decisions consistent with the provisions of the Public Service Rules.
“Whenever disciplinary cases arise, we consult with management, the affected staff, and other stakeholders to understand the facts and appeal for humane and equitable outcomes.
“No union desires to see any member’s appointment terminated or dismissed. However, in some circumstances, the facts of a case may limit available remedies under the Public Service Rules. Even then, the unions continue to encourage dialogue, fairness, and compassion. Our involvement in these matters has been guided solely by the principles of transparency, justice, and industrial harmony.
On the allegation of absence of due process, the union said all available indications suggest that disciplinary actions followed established procedures under PSR 030302–030306. Queries were issued, responses received, and investigations concluded before final decisions were made.
Accordingly, the disciplinary process was administrative in nature and consistent with civil service regulations.
The union therefore commended the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, whose visionary leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has rekindled progress toward the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
“We further acknowledge the proactive and reform-driven leadership of the Managing Director, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, whose administration continues to steer the Company toward productivity and transparency.
“As we pray that under their watch Ajaokuta Steel Company will once again thrive, we also call on patriotic and critical stakeholders — including distinguished industrialists such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other private sector partners — to collaborate with the Federal Government in advancing Nigeria’s industrial renaissance for the collective good of the nation and its people.
“We therefore enjoin all parties to support the ongoing reforms and remain committed to industrial harmony.
