Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Court rules unlawful, the dismissal of a staff of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Momodu Khalipha Cham

Published

on

ECOWAS Court rules unlawful, the dismissal of a staff of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Momodu Khalipha Cham

By: Michael Mike

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, on July 10, 2024, declared that the dismissal of Mr. Momodu Cham, a former staff of the ECOWAS Commission was unlawful and not in compliance with Article 69 of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.

The applicant, Mr. Momodu Khalipha Cham, a community citizen residing in Banjul, Republic of Gambia, filed an application, against ECOWAS Commission and its president respectively the first and second Respondents, challenging his unlawful suspension and subsequent dismissal from his position as a Procurement Officer with the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (GIABA), a specialised agency of ECOWAS.

Justice Dupe Atoki, the Judge Rapporteur who delivered the judgment said that the cessation of Mr. Cham’s salary before the exhaustion of the appeal process was arbitrary, unlawful, null, and void, contrary to Article 73(b) of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. However, the judge said that the Court declined the orders for mandatory injunctions and reinstatement.

In regard to compensation, the Court ordered the Respondents to pay Mr. Cham his salary arrears and other entitlements from January 2021 to June 2021. Additionally, it ordered the payment of Mr. Cham’s salaries and emoluments from July to December 2021 as compensation for the unlawful dismissal.

In this case, the Applicant narrated that Mr. Cham was suspended on July 11, 2019, following a forensic audit report by Ernst and Young UK, which implicated him in irregularities related to the purchase of IT equipment for GIABA. He said that on January 26, 2021, Mr. Cham was summarily dismissed, and his salaries and emoluments were withheld in violation of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. Mr. Cham sought several reliefs, including the Declaration that his dismissal was arbitrary, null, and void; an Order setting aside his dismissal; an Order for the immediate payment of his salary arrears and other entitlements from January 2021. The applicant also asked for his reinstatement to his position as a Procurement Officer and compensation for costs incurred in prosecuting the suit.

The Respondents, in their defense, maintained that Mr. Cham was properly suspended and dismissed following a forensic audit report and a subsequent query. They argued that the dismissal was appropriate due to allegations of gross misconduct, embezzlement, theft, fraud, and abuse of trust.

In its judgment, the Court determined that requesting an on-the-spot response to charges without prior notice or an opportunity to prepare a defense violates procedural safeguards outlined in the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. Consequently, the summary dismissal of the Applicant by the 2nd Respondent breached Article 69 of the regulation.

Additionally, the Court emphasised that the regulations are designed to ensure an Applicant’s rights are fully maintained until the Council’s final decision. Therefore, the cessation of the Applicant’s salary and other emoluments after invoking the right of appeal is a violation of Article 73(b) of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.

Also on the three-member panel were Honourable Justices Gberi-bè Ouattara, presiding, and Sengu Mohamed Koroma, member.

ECOWAS Court rules unlawful, the dismissal of a staff of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Momodu Khalipha Cham

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

Published

on

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

Continue Reading

News

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

Published

on

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.

Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.

At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast. 

Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.

By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

Continue Reading

News

APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

Published

on

APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

By: Michael Mike

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has hailed the nomination of Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, describing it as a timely move amid the country’s persistent electricity challenges.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the party’s state leadership said Tegbe’s selection reflects both merit and the urgent need for competent leadership in the nation’s power sector.

The statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Chief Moses Adeyemo Alake and State Secretary Hon. Fatai Adesina, expressed strong confidence in Tegbe’s ability to drive meaningful reforms, citing his extensive professional background and policy experience.

Tegbe, an engineer and seasoned policy strategist, brings over three decades of experience spanning engineering, consulting, and public sector advisory.

He previously served as Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, where he coordinated bilateral development initiatives and investment engagements between both countries.

He also chaired the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, playing a key role in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and strengthening revenue frameworks.

Before transitioning fully into public service, Tegbe built a distinguished career at KPMG, rising to become Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services in Africa. In that role, he led major engagements on governance reforms, economic policy, institutional transformation, and investment strategy across both public and private sectors.

Earlier in his career, he worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company, gaining experience in corporate operations and resource management.

Academically, Tegbe holds a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has attended executive programmes at globally renowned institutions including Harvard and INSEAD, further reinforcing his technical and leadership credentials.

The APC noted that this blend of technical expertise and policy leadership positions him to tackle longstanding challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

“The APC in Oyo State is confident that Chief Tegbe will bring innovation, efficiency, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power sector. His history of performance and commitment to service positions him to make meaningful contributions to national development,” the statement read.

The party emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical stage where strategic direction is essential to unlock sustainable energy solutions, noting that Tegbe’s leadership could help reposition the sector for improved performance.

It added that the APC in Oyo would offer its full support while maintaining constructive engagement with the minister-designate and other stakeholders to ensure progress.

The statement also acknowledged Tegbe’s longstanding contributions to the growth of the party in the state, expressing optimism that his new role would further deepen his commitment to national development.

The APC wished him a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would mark a significant shift toward stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.

APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights