Comrade Okonkwo said that constitutionally, he cannot be expelled from an office that he has served meritoriously for six years.
Eberechi Obinagwam
Immediate President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, Dr Chris Okonkwo, has denied the allegation by the Union’s President General, Engineer Chika Ben, that he refused to fully hand over the union’s property in his possession after the expiration of his tenure in April 2022.
The union’s President General and General Secretary, Comrade Nnamdi Ajibo accused Comrade Okonkwo of refusing to fully hand over the union’s property in his possession after his tenure. They added that the union has expelled him.
In his response, Comrade Okonkwo said that the allegation is false, saying he had a major disagreement with the incumbent President for anti-union activities and breach of the same constitution, among others. He said the breaches require a determination of whether he is fit to be in office.
According to him, the issue is already before National Industrial Court Abuja (Suit no NICN/ABJ/79/2023) such that contemplation of the purported action is a challenge to the court that has the jurisdiction to determine such.
Comrade Okonkwo said that constitutionally, he cannot be expelled from an office that he has served meritoriously for six years.
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“My attention has just been drawn to a false publication to the effect that I, Engr. Dr Chris Okonkwo, the Immediate Past President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), where I served meritoriously for 6 years.
“Consequently, I remain in service of the Association by its Constitution. The publication is to the effect that I have been expelled, from what is not possible since am no longer in elected office.
“Let it be known that I cannot be expelled from an office that I served and left according to the Association’s Constitution 2021,
six-year maximum tenure.
“It is noteworthy that I have a major disagreement with the incumbent President for anti-union activities and breach of the same constitution, among others, after the failure of efforts to get him to change. His breaches require a determination of whether he is fit to be in office.
“This is already before National Industrial Court Abuja (Suit no NICN/ABJ/79/2023) such that contemplation of the purported action is a challenge to the court that has the jurisdiction to determine such.
“The public is hereby advised to ignore such mischievous action or wish. He is expected to join issues in court instead of resort to cheap and contemptuous blackmail meant to coverup the issues for determination by the court”.
According to the reports made available to journalists, the sitting President General, and some of his top officers, are under investigation for forgery and perjury, as alleged by the Immediate Past President.
Dr. Okonkwo alleged that his signature was forged to take over one of his duties as Chairman of the Union’s Investment Committee.
Also, Benedict Chika’s suitability and qualifications for the office are currently for determination by National Industrial Court Abuja (Suit no NICN/ABJ/79/2023).