Former directors of aviation agencies, relieved of duty by new industry leadership, have petitioned the Industrial Court for reinstatement. The directors, previously with FAAN, NAMA, and NSIB, claim their removal violated statutory appointment terms and deprived them of entitled benefits.
The case mentioned today is due for hearing on May 17, 2024.
Citing appointment letters signed by Nwokocha, M. N. (Mrs), Director of Human Resource Management, dated May 24, 2023, the directors assert their entitlement to a 5-year tenure, subject to renewal. The letter read, “The appointment, effective from May 23, 2023, is for a term of 5 years and may be renewed for a second tenure upon recommendation by the Board and approval of the Honorable Minister.”
They argue that their dismissals occurred prematurely, not completing even one year of their tenure.
Represented by counsel Patrice Akwara, the directors are seeking reinstatement or compensation equivalent to salaries for the full five-year period.
Their counselor stated the directors were appointed but removed within six months, preventing them from serving their full tenure. He questioned the dismissal’s justification as there were no wrongful acts, or corruption cases.
Akwara told NigerianFLIGHTDECK there was already a precedent. “Senator Ifeanyi Ararume against the Federal Government. He( Ararume) had not served, and he went to court, won because he had a valid appointment. In this case, these individuals served for 6 months after receiving appointments according to the act. If given you must serve out the tenure,” he reasoned.
