The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has reiterated its unwavering support for its National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed. In a statement issued by ASCSN Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, the union emphasized that Comrade Mohammed was duly elected as the National President on Monday, August 12, 2024, alongside other members of the Central Working Committee (CWC) during the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference was attended by the Registrar of Trade Unions, who represented the Minister of Labour and Employment, as well as the President and Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). Comrade Apebo explained that the election followed the expiration of the tenure of the former CWC members on July 29, 2024, who had been elected on July 29, 2020, during the 4th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Comrade Apebo recalled that on July 9, 2024, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), in its judgment in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/214/2022, ruled that Innocent Bola-Audu should complete his tenure by July 29, 2024, having been elected as National President on July 29, 2020. The court also awarded Bola-Audu N3 million for his legal expenses.
In light of this court judgment, which clearly stated that Bola Innocent Audu’s tenure ended on July 29, 2024, and the subsequent election of new leadership led by Comrade Mohammed, authenticated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Leadership of the TUC, the association has decided to withdraw the cases at both NICN and the Appeal Court. The union stated that it is no longer necessary to continue with the legal matters.
The ASCSN emphasized that the withdrawal of the cases should not be interpreted as recognition of Bola Innocent Audu as the President of the association. The union urged its members to maintain their faith in the leadership of National President Comrade Mohammed, Secretary-General Comrade Joshua Apebo, and other members of the CWC. The union also called on members to disregard any disinformation from detractors about the association.
