News
ECOWAS Court rules unlawful, the dismissal of a staff of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Momodu Khalipha Cham
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
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.
Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.
According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.
“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.
“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.
According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.
Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.
He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.
Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.
The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
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
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
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Billionaire Drug Baron, Two Female Kingpins Nabbed in Global Anti-Narcotics Sting
Troops, police arrest nine suspected kidnappers in Edo raid operation
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
