By Eberechi Obinagwam
Following the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in the crisis that arose in the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), the aggrieved members have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to abide by the Constitution.
This was revealed in a press statement that was signed by the president, Chris Okonkwo, general secretary, Nnamdi Ajibo, and other committee members.
The Memorandum of Understanding was reached at the end of the reconciliation meeting between the aggrieved members of SSAEAC and its leadership in Abuja.
At the meeting, the following were agreed as terms of the Memorandum of Understanding:
That the aggrieved members apologize to the meeting for their action taken since the crisis if any.
In the end, both sides of the crisis undertook to respect the sanctity of the SSAEAC constitution and the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the National Executive Council, (NEC), and the National Delegates Conference, (NDC) decisions.
Both parties agreed that all branches should comply with the constitutional provision of remitting 100% and proper deduction of 3k with immediate effect.
The parties also agreed that all branches should submit their Financial Reports from 2016 to date without further delay.
Both parties agreed to abide by the Electoral Guidelines as already published and in use. However, any observations can be reviewed by the National Executive Council.
Both parties gave an irrevocable undertaking not to go back to actions that led to the expulsion, including writing letters outside the constitutionally authorized office of the General Secretary.
Consequently, on the instructions of the Registrar of Trade Unions, it was agreed that all actions and decisions that were taken as a result of the crisis, including impeachment, expulsion, letters to banks e.t.c. should be reversed immediately.
On the issue of emergency NEC of 16th August 2021, the next NEC meeting scheduled for October 2021 shall have the opportunity of reviewing decisions on issues of concern taken at that NEC meeting.
Both parties appealed to their members to remain loyal and trust that the Association remains strong and united despite the challenges of the past few weeks.
On the advice of the Registrar of Trade Unions, considering the current security situation in the country, both parties accepted to take a second look at the venue of the next National Delegates Conference. It was however agreed that the proposed change in venue would be presented to the next National Executive Council meeting for deliberation.
Both parties agreed that all elections should be free and fair without undue interference from any quarter.
Both parties advised all external persons/bodies working for the crisis or the fall of SSAEAC to mind their businesses because SSAEAC will always overcome all challenges and emerge stronger.
It was earlier recalled that the crisis occurred due to the misunderstanding of the proposal to change the venue of the next National Delegates Conference (NDC), from Kano State to Abuja.