The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has denied saying that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigeria Medical Associations (NMA) are not recognized labour unions in the public service.
She said on Monday in a statement signed by the Director, Communications, in her office, Mallam AbdulGaniyu Aminu, that media reports to that effect are not true.
The HoCSF reported comment elicited reaction from the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who condemned her for such comment.
She, however, said that while her office is not accustomed to joining issues with anyone on any matter, it certainly beats logical reasoning that a section of the media or anyone would attempt to malign the Head of Service.
“Consequently, we wish to state unequivocally that the remarks of the HOS were not reported as presented at the event; and that the intentions of the office were grossly misunderstood and placed out of context.
“Therefore, it is important to make the following clarifications: Dr. Yemi-Esan spoke during the Separate and Joint Negotiating meetings of the National Public Service Negotiating Councils (NPSNC) held on Monday 17th January, 2022 in Abuja.
“While speaking at the opening of the aforementioned event, at no point did the Head of Service, make any statement on the subject in contention, and any other reference with regard to her remarks as presented should be completely disregarded,” Aminu said.
He said that the NPSNC is a consultative platform for the government and organised labour at the federal and state levels to address issues concerning the welfare and conditions of service of workers in the Public Service.
She also said that the council is made up of Councils I, II and III, which comprise(s) eight Public Service Trade Unions that make up the Joint Council.
“Critical stakeholders like the Salaries and Wages Commission, Trade Union Council and others are members of the Council.
“The issue for the Joint Council to discuss the possible membership of both ASUU and NMA in the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC) was a proposed item for consideration as their absence was robbing them of the opportunity of participating in the discussion of critical issues before resorting to strike action as a last resort.
“In the light of the foregoing, it is clear that the HoS did not at any point deny ASUU and NMA of their Trade Union status rather she was only making a case for them to be part of the JNPSNC so as to reap the benefits therefrom,” he said.
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