FERMA Unions Challenge Senate President's Move, Urge Compliance with FERMA Act
Unions within the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), ASCSN and AUPCTRE, have expressed staunch opposition to the Senate President's appointment of executive board members, arguing that it conflicts with the FERMA Act and could hinder the agency's operations and staff progression. Their joint letter underscores concerns about disruption and demoralization within the agency, urging adherence to established regulations.
FERMA Unions Stand Against Executive Board Appointments, Citing Act Contravention.
The joint unions within the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have vehemently opposed the recent declaration by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, regarding certain members of the agency’s board assuming executive status positions. The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) conveyed their strong objection in a letter addressed to Akpabio on Thursday, which was later made public in Abuja.
Akpabio's announcement of a new board for FERMA included references to specific members holding executive board positions, contrary to the traditional roles of board members. The joint letter, co-signed by Mr. Paul Onimisi, ASCSN Chairman, and Mr. Abdulmumin Idris, AUPCTRE Chairman, criticized this move as disheartening and demoralizing for the agency's workforce.
The unions highlighted that designating certain individuals as executive board members, with eventual control over agency departments, directly contradicts the FERMA Act and impedes the career progression of agency employees. They emphasized that this action would not benefit the agency in fulfilling its mandate and described it as counterproductive.
Additionally, the unions pointed out the adverse consequences of assigning executive positions to board members, warning that this arrangement could lead to disruption within the agency's structure and negatively impact its functionality and workforce morale.
The union leaders emphasized that this approach would create a parallel board within the existing one, driving the agency against its mandated direction and potentially causing disarray. They urgently called for a reversal of this decision, highlighting the urgency to address the matter and prevent potential upheaval within the agency.
Moreover, the joint unions aligned their stance with the provisions of the FERMA (Establishment Act 2002) and insisted that any deviation from these regulations would be met with resistance. They emphasized the importance of confirming appointees as regular board members, not executive members, aligning their demands with President Bola Tinubu's renewed agenda. The unions urged for adherence to the law and warned against actions that could disrupt the agency's operations.
