Workers bemoan alleged ‘sharp practices’ in River Basins

WORKERS of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources/All River Basin Development Authorities Trade Group of the Agriculture and Allied Employee’s Union of Nigeria (AAEUN), has bemoaned alleged sharp practices and irregular appointments in the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) across the country.

The workers in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held in Abeokuta and  signed by Comrade Tijani Isa and Comrade Ibe-Enwo Oko, forum chairman and secretary respectively, urged the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu, to probe the issues.

The workers faulted extension of appointments of people who have attained 35 years in service or 60 years of age as managing/executive directors in some of the agencies.

They equally demanded the immediate removal of the Director, River Basins Operations and Inspectorate (RBO&I) “in the interest of industrial peace and harmony,” and also bemoaned the spate of irregular appointments, especially the appointment of a junior officer instead of a more experienced, qualified and senior officer.

The Forum urged the minister to direct the management of RBDAs to immediately absorb its present casual workers.

It said, “The Forum in session requests the Honourable Minister to use his good offices to ensure compliance on career managing/executive directors with the rules of disengagement stipulating‎ 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

“The Forum is session appeals to the Honourable Minister to as a matter of utmost urgency approve the payment of arrears of promotions and unpaid staff salaries in all RBDAs nationwide since the commencement IPPIS in 2014 and 2015 respectively.”