By Chinelo Obogo
Former aviation directors removed by President Bola Tinubu have petitioned the Industrial Court for reinstatement, claiming wrongful termination. The directors who were with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), claim their removal violated statutory appointment terms and deprived them of entitled benefits.
Citing appointment letters signed by the Director of Human Resource Management in the Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Nkechi Nwokocha, dated May 24, 2023, the directors said they are entitled to a five-year tenure which is subject to renewal. They argued that their dismissals occurred prematurely as they didn’t complete even a year of their tenure.
The letter read, “The appointment, effective from May 23, 2023, is for a term of five years and may be renewed for a second tenure upon recommendation by the Board and approval of the Honorable Minister.”
Represented by their counsel, Patrice Akwara, the directors are seeking reinstatement or compensation equivalent to salaries for the full five-year period. Their lawyer stated that 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 said 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 said. The case mentioned today is due for hearing on May 17, 2024.