The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi Friday shunned the House of Representatives panel investigating the planned retirement of over 1,000 staff of the apex bank.
The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Bello Kumo expressed displeasure over the absence of the Dingyadi and Cardoso.
Displeased by their absence, Kumo warned that the committee would be left with no choice but to sanction government officials who failed to honour the committee’s invitation.
He added that a new date for the hearing would be communicated to them in due course.
Kumo stated: “We are guided by our laws. We will not allow anybody to take us for granted. Let me be clear on this: any day we fix again, and any of the organisations that refuse to show up, we will apply the law.
“The committee would not shirk its responsibility in not only ensuring fair hearing to all parties involved in the saga.”
Earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas requested that the CBN should provide explanations for the recent dismissal of approximately 1,000 members of staff and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.
Speaker Abbas made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the ad-hoc committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff on Thursday in Abuja.
Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, emphasised the need for transparency in the matter, ensuring that the welfare and rights of the affected employees are protected.
He also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50 billion severance package was determined, ensuring that principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were adhered to.
Abass noted: “The committee has been tasked with examining several critical aspects of this issue. First, we aim to understand the rationale behind the decision to lay off over 1,000 staff members, particularly during these challenging economic times.
“The impact of such a significant workforce reduction on the individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.
“Furthermore, the committee will scrutinise the process through which the 50 billion Naira severance package was determined. We must ascertain whether the principles of due diligence, fairness and due process were strictly adhered to in arriving at this figure.
“Transparency in such matters is key to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our institutions.
“As a legislative body, we recognise the widely accepted principle of running a leaner and more efficient government. We also understand the CBN’s prerogative in determining policies that align with its operational efficiency. However, it is imperative that such decisions are balanced against the welfare and rights of employees, as well as the long-term implications for institutional stability.”
Abbas stressed that the Green Chamber cannot and would not remain silent when Nigerians feel aggrieved or when there are allegations of coercion or injustice against those who have been lawfully employed.