By John Obi
Former staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN who were relieved of their jobs last year have taken the bank to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
The aggrieved staff, In an originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, among others, asked the court to determine whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated . They claimed that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.
The 33 claimants, Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, Stephen Ambore, Edom Obi, Dabo Chundung, Ekpe-Oko Roupa, Alabi Mubarak, Isa Yusuf, Quadru Ralph, Olasupo Adedokun, Dauda Yusuf, Ogidi Tolu, Levi David, Umar Kurba, Christopher Alfred, Gana Nma, Tanko Joel, Iyare Christian, Paul Iza, Alzebeokhai Esiemokhai, Pius Odunze, Isiuwe Uwadiahu, Vivienne Usoro, Imoh Francis, Ofili Lydia, Onunkwor Christopher, Adeshina Nurudeen, Bukar Ahmed and Ajayi Omosolape, were represented by Okwudili Abanum,
In a class suit ,they argued that the termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.
They said that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.
They also claimed that the termination letters, issued based on restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
In view of this,, they sought an order declaring their dismissal null and void.
Furthermore ,the claimants sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures.
They prayed to the court for a declaration ordering their immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
Additionally , they sought N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.
Between March and May 2024, the CBN sacked about a thousand staff with little or no severance payment, current matters learned.
