By Folarin Emmanuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the directive of President Muhamadu Buhari on the immediate disengagement from service of Mr Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force.
But the Congress said the President must extend this action to ” a full investigation of the circumstances that led to Maina’s flight and reinstatement; and prosecution on allegations of corruption.”
A statement issued on Monday by NLC said “the manner of Mr Maina’s re-engagement and posting as Director to the Ministry of Interior is an affront to law and procedure; insult to Nigerians; and a mockery of Mr President’s fight against corruption. Indeed it is the height of arrogance and impunity.
“Except those involved in the Maina Gate, every other person in Nigeria was aware of the report of the Senate after a painstaking investigation; the refusal of Maina to avail himself to the Senate or the EFCC; his being declared wanted by the EFCC; his taking refuge in the corridors of power then (complete with a retinue of armed personnel) before his subsequent abscondment to a foreign country when power changed hands.
“Maina had all the opportunity to clear his name in court if he felt the Senate and EFCC were biased against him.
“But he did not none of this. Instead, he and his co-conspirators in the new corridors of power elected to do the unthinkable, promote and post him because they think we Nigerians have forgotten. It is sickening. It stinks to high heavens.
“As a follow-up action to Mr President’s directive, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress demand a full investigation of the circumstances that led to Maina’s flight and reinstatement; and prosecution on allegations of corruption.
“Mr President must firmly put his foot down, else some people will rubbish all that he has ever been known for.”
