- NAFDAC workers have said they will only resume work if the federal government appoints a substantive director general
- The industrial action which began on Friday, September 22, was reportedly because the Acting DG was already above civil service age
- The director of public relations has however urged restraint saying the FG will make the necessary appointments
Workers at the National Agency for Food and Drgs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have said they will continue with their industrial action until the federal government appoints a substantive Director General(DG).
The National Public Relations Officer(PRO), Medical and Health Union of Nigeria, NAFDAC chapter, Ejor Michael, made this known on Saturday, September 23, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja.
He said they were demanding for a new DG or the appointment of the most senior director to run the affairs of the agency.
According to Mr Michael, the Acting DG, Yetunde Oni, had been on acting capacity since February 2016 and had acted for over one year.
He said: “She clocks 60 years on Thursday and by virtue of public service rule she has to go but she doesn’t want to go.
“We, therefore, ask the Federal Government to give us a substantive DG or the most senior director in NAFDAC take over same way Oni took over as the most senior in 2016."
They also alleged that the acting director had handed over to a director who is not the most senior.
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Idu Isua, who is the vice chairman of the union said that the next senior director was supposed to take charge after Ms. Oni had attained the mandatory age of 60 years.
Jimoh Abubakar, the director of public relations and special duties, NAFDAC, said the president would decide on the appointment of a new DG.
Mr Abubakar also said that the controversy surrounding the appointment of an acting DG was needless.
“Government in its wisdom will take appropriate decision, we should not be in a hurry, government is aware of information we are not privy to," he concluded.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that the medical and health workers union chapter of NAFDAC has commenced indefinite strike.
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According to a report, the union said they were embarking on the industrial action to push for improved welfare package and for the management of the agency to implement an agreement reached on welfare package in 2013.
Watch this NAIJ.com video as Nigerian parents advise the governemnt over the recent ASUU strike:
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Saturday, 23 September 2017