Following the controversial reinstatement and posting of former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdullahi Maina, as well as his eventual dismissal, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate full investigation into the matter
President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a statement said Maina’s recall was an insult on Nigerians and the height of arrogance and impunity.
The NLC stated that Maina’s re-engagement was “an affront to law and procedure; insult to Nigerians; and a mockery of Mr. President’s fight against corruption.”
According to him, Maina had the opportunity to defend himself and clear his name either before the Senate committee that investigated him or before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but choose to run away and take refuge in a foreign land.
Wabba said: “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress commend the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari ordering the immediate disengagement from service of Mr. Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force.
“The manner of Maina’s re-engagement and posting as Director to the Ministry of Interior is an affront to law and procedure; an insult to Nigerians; and a mockery of Mr. President’s fight against corruption. Indeed, it is the height of arrogance and impunity.
“Except those involved in the Maina Gate, every other person in Nigeria was aware of the report of the Senate after a painstaking investigation; the refusal of Maina to avail himself to the Senate or the EFCC; his being declared wanted by the EFCC; his taking refuge in the corridors of power then (complete with a retinue of armed personnel) before his subsequent abscondment to a foreign country when power changed hands.
“Maina had all the opportunity to clear his name in court if he felt the Senate and EFCC were biased against him. But he did none of this. Instead, he and his co-conspirators in the new corridors of power elected to do the unthinkable, promote and post him because they think we Nigerians have forgotten. It is sickening. It stinks to high heavens.
“As a follow-up action to Mr. President’s directive, we at NLC demand a full investigation of the circumstances that led to Maina’s flight and reinstatement; and prosecution on allegations of corruption.
“Mr. President must firmly put his foot down; else some people will rubbish all that he has ever been known for.”