Sacked CBN Staff Head To Court, Demand N30 Billion Damages

Sacked CBN Staff Head To Court, Demand N30 Billion Damages

Contrary to the claims by the Central Bank of Nigeria that some staff voluntarily resigned from their positions, some aggrieved staff of the apex bank are currently at the National Industrial Court challenging the termination of the appointments.

These aggrieved staff are among those laid off by the CBN in its recent mass layoff.

In an originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, the aggrieved staff members raised several questions for determination

The Sacked CBN staff members among others, are asking the court to determine whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated while they claimed that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

They opined that, the termination letters, issued based on restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

However, they prayed that their dismissal be declared null and void.

The claimants are; Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, Stephen Ambore, Edom Obi, Dabo Chundung, Ekpe-Oko Roupa, Alabi Mubarak, Isa Yusuf, Quadru Ralph, Olasupo Adedokun, Dauda Yusuf, Ogidi Tolu, Levi David, Umar Kurba, Christopher Alfred, Gana Nma, Tanko Joel, Iyare Christian, Paul Iza, Alzebeokhai Esiemokhai, Pius Odunze, Isiuwe Uwadiahu, Vivienne Usoro, Imoh Francis, Ofili Lydia, Onunkwor Christopher, Adeshina Nurudeen, Bukar Ahmed and Ajayi Omosolape.

They were all represented by Okwudili Abanum, in a class action lawsuit.

They argued that the termination process, carried out through letters, titled, “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring”, dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

In their submission, it was also noted that the process that culminated in the sacking lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

Additionally, the claimants sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures.

They also prayed to the court for a declaration ordering their immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

They also sought N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.

In another document dated November 20, 2024, during the first mention of the suit, the court urged the parties in the dispute to seek an amicable resolution of the matter.

The presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae said “This is a new matter, it is mentioned for the 1st time. I have looked at the processes and it is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequential, parties are encouraged pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt amicable settlement”.

At the hearing, the CBN was represented by a team of lawyers led by Inam Wilson.

They had informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit dated November 4, 2024, and he had recently been served with the claimants’ wish to respond to the counter.

Justice Osaghae, following the defendant’s counsel submission, adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a hearing of the preliminary Objection.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, said that the 1000 staff members who left the institution in December 2024 did so voluntarily and were not forced to resign.

Cardoso made the clarification on Friday during an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee, which is probing the reasons behind the staff exits and the N50 billion severance package offered to those affected.

The apex bank boss, represented by Bala Bello, Deputy Director of Corporate Services, further explained that the affected staff opted to leave through the voluntary Early Exit Programme, which included full benefits.

He described the Early Exit Programme, alongside the bank’s restructuring and reorganisation efforts, as mechanisms to optimise organisational performance by ensuring the right individuals are in the right positions.