By Anwar Usman
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has sought the Central Bank’s clarification on the dismissal of about 1,000 staff members and the subsequent payment of a N50bn compensation package to the disengaged persons.
The speaker 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 Friday in Abuja.
Recall that the CBN explained earlier that its Early Exit Package for staff is voluntary and that participation is not mandatory.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, assured staff and the public that no employee would be forced into early retirement under the scheme.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria has dismissed assertion of forced mass retirements, explaining that its Early Exit Package is entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff”, the statement partly read.
However, Abbas tasked the panel chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Bello Kumo, with probing the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the country’s current economic challenges.
Speaker Abbas, represented at the event by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the need for transparency in the matter, explaining that the welfare and rights of the affected employees must be safeguarded.
Abbas also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50bn severance package was determined.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Livinus Nwabughiogu on Saturday quoted Abbas as saying, “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 individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.
“Moreover, the committee will investigate the process through which the N50bn severance package was determined. We must find out 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.”
Abas called on the apex bank and other affected government agencies to cooperate fully with the investigation so that the panel could discharge its mandate.