of Jamila Shu’ara, the Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Finance, has been met with
stiff resistance by the Association of Senior
Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
According to Punch Newspapers, Shu’ara was
supposed to retire on February 17 when she
attained the age of 60, however, a notice from
the Head of Civil Service informed her that she
would be retained in office for one year- a
development which goes against the Public
Service Rules number 100238.
The notice from the Head of Service dated
February 24, 2016, was signed by Oyo-Ita
Ekanem.
“This is to inform you that the His (sic)
Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in a letter
with Ref. No. SGF. 12/S.11/C.1/T/2, has
extended your retirement period by one (1) year
with effect from February 17, 2016.”
“Your emoluments and other conditions of
service will remain sustained up to February 16,
2017,” the notice stated.
ASCSN has kicked against the move, saying that
in other to have industrial peace in the service,
Shu’ara “should be eased out of the system
unless those behind this extension have a
hidden agenda somewhere.”
According to Alade Lawal, the Secretary-General
of the union: “The so-called extension of
retirement period of Mrs. Shu’ara for another
year came to us as a big surprise. It is a rude
shock and we least expected it.”
“The development is dangerous and it is highly
condemnable. With the sort of respect we have
for this administration, we least expect this
level of impunity to be factored into public
administration. Are we saying this woman is
indispensable? The answer is no.”
A source in the Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation was reported to
have said that it was the prerogative of the
President to extend the service of any
permanent secretary, “especially if they had an
ongoing major national assignments before their
retirement date”.
Leaders of the union and senior officials are
said to be ready for a showdown with
government over the issue.
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