By Michael Oche
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has reaffirmed Comrade Shehu Mohammed as its National President, putting to rest any controversy over its leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the ASCSN Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, emphasized that Comrade Mohammed was duly elected as National President on August 12, 2024, during the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, the conference was attended by key stakeholders, including the Registrar of Trade Unions, who represented the Minister of Labour and Employment, as well as the leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
Apebo clarified that Mohammed’s election followed the expiration of the tenure of the previous leadership, which ended on July 29, 2024.
He referenced the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/214/2022, which had ruled that former president Innocent Bola-Audu’s tenure ended on the same date. The court also ordered a compensation of ₦3 million for Bola-Audu’s legal expenses.
According to the statement, “it is in consideration of this Court Judgment which clearly stated that Bola Innocent Audu’s tenure ended on 29th July, 2024 and having elected a new leadership of the Association led by Comrade Shehu Muhammed who have been authenticated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Leadership of the TUC that the Association has decided to withdraw the cases at both NICN and the Appeal Court as it was no longer necessary to continue with the matters.”
The Union restated that withdrawal of the cases in court should not be in any way interpreted to mean that Bola Innocent Audu is recognized as the President of the Association.
The ASCSN urged its members to remain steadfast in their support for the new leadership, led by Comrade Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Comrade Joshua Apebo, while dismissing any misinformation from detractors.
