By EricJames Ochigbo
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been urged to investigate the recent protest by workers at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
A coalition of women groups and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement (CAPE) made the call in Abuja on Friday.
The coalition made the appeal during a peaceful demonstration that preceded the submission of an official petition to the OHCSF.
It could be recalled that the workers at the ministry on Thursday, protested against the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim for alleged poor staff welfare and lack of working tools.
Addressing newsmen on the sideline of the demonstration, the Director of Public Enlightenment, Mr Emmanuel Lawal express the coalition’s concerns over the development.
Lawal alleged that there were evidences to prove that the protest was being sponsored by political opponents of the minister.
According to him, they are not unmindful of the grand plot to castigate and tarnish the minister before the public to destroy her hard earned reputation and unblemish record of service.
He emphasised the need to probe the administrative misconduct that led to the protest, saying that civil service rules already provided clear procedures for addressing grievances.
Lawal said that the civil service must remain apolitical and insulated from actions that could be exploited for political persecution or to cast government officials in bad light.
“We therefore write to call your attention to these administrative misconduct and request you to investigate the circumstances that led to the protest embarked upon by civil servants in the ministry, with a view to applying punitive measures against those culpable in this act of shame.
“We are optimistic that as the number one civil servant in Nigeria, you will continue to protect the integrity of the service as well as apply the rules where there may have been commission of sabotage or insubordination,” he said.
Lawal said that the Head of Civil Service should caution the workers and apprehend those instigating them to embarrass the Minister of Women Affairs and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the Head of Civil Service to intervene swiftly, stressing that their appeal was meant to prevent further escalation of the matter.
In a solidarity letter addressed to the minister, the coalition said that it had gone through the impressive records of the minister in both private and public service.
They said that it was noteworthy to mentioned that the minister had lived a life worthy of emulation for inspiring generations.
“As concerned citizens, we see far and we know their plans and we are here representing millions of Nigerians who appreciate your contributions to nation building and convey to you this solidarity and strong message of support.
“We assure you now and always, that as citizens, we are prepared to stand by you, correct the wrong narrative and face the enemies of our performing Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
“We stand solidly behind you and our coming out today is a testament of your good deeds and commitment to serving our nation with candour, sincerity and purpose,” the collation said.
The protesters carried packcards and barners with inscriptions such as: “President Bola Tinubu work is to reposition Nigeria; the Minister of Women Affairs is a team players whose supports to PBAT success is immense.”
Others read, “Allow the Minister of Women Affairs to Concentrate on her job”, “The Minister of Women Affairs is being Politically Persecuted, “Enough of Civil Servant Sabotage”, “We must protect the civil service against politics.