The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Center) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to wade into an alleged dismissal of one Mrs. Maryam Danna Muhammad, a former General Manager (Auditing and Compliance) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). She was also a staff of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) for 24 years.

In a petition forwarded to the president and signed by HEDA’s Manager, Whistleblower Protection Programme, Mr. ’Sina Odugbemi, the Centre alleged that the unlawful dismissal of Mrs. Muhammadu and the extended defiement of order for her reinstatement, was the handiwork of the president’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Abba Kyari.

Urging President Buhari to urgently intervene in the matter, HEDA’s Odugbemi said the issue may taint the integrity of the administration, if not addressed by the president.

The petition reads: “According to reports in the media, Mrs. Maryam Danna Muhammed, who worked for 24 years with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) conducted a company-wide staff audit in NDPHC, which indicted 3 senior staff of the organisation namely; Mr. Louis Edozie (Executive Director Technical services), Mr. Anthony U. Muoneke (Executive Director Finance and Administration) and the General Manager (contract management) which resulted in resignation of the concerned individuals.

“Following the resignation of the afore-mentioned individuals in which Mr. Louis Edozie is a known associate of Mr. Abba Kyari, your all powerful Chief of Staff, whose daughter works under Mr. Louis it was gathered that Mrs. Muhammed received a letter on 10 June 2016 from Mr. Babachir David Lawal, disgraceful suspended former Secretary to Government of the Federation, stating that she had been relieved of her duties with immediate effect which did not give any reasons for her sack or mention her offences. It simply claimed the disengagement was authorised by the President.

“It was also gathered that eleven days after receiving this letter, a dissatisfied Mrs. Muhammed wrote to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, raising issues on circumstances surrounding her dismissal, especially when she was neither invited nor indicted by any committee set up to investigate any wrongdoing on her part.”

The petition further stated that a frustrated Muhammadu, after an endless wait for a response to her letter from the office of the vice president, again wrote a comprehensive letter to your office which led to a letter from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Mallam (SAN) claiming that Mrs. Muhammed’s reinstatement has been ordered by Mr. President. It was also learnt that the said Attorney General’s letter was addressed to Mr. Kyari to convey the President’s decision for Mrs. Muhammed’s reinstatement.

“Having said all these, the fact remains Mrs. Muhammed had still not been reinstated and the said presidential directive yet to be complied with by appropriate government officials.

“Hence, the following questions;

“Why was Mrs. Mohammed sacked in the first instance?

“On whose directive was Mrs. Muhammed sacked?

“Was Mrs. Mohammed ever indicted of any wrongdoing before the termination of appointment?

“Could Mrs. Muhammed’s dismissal be as a result of stepping on powerful toes as a consequence for her audit report and indictment of the afore-mentioned individuals?

“Why was the letter from the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice with reference number MJ/DSD/SH/22/V.1/39 dated 25th October, 2016 under the directive of the President to Mr. Kyari to have her reinstated not acted upon till date?

“Mr. President Sir, for a leadership that is premised on integrity, rule of law, accountability and most of all a genuine fight against corruption, justice must not only be done, but be done at all times, without let or hindrance in accordance with the highest level of public accountability, morality, and transparency on which the high opinion held by the general public of your administration is premised.

“This is why HEDA is calling on your office to institute an enquiry into this case to ensure that justice is promptly done in this matter.

“We await your prompt action on this case as an injustice to one is an injustice to all. In the event where no response or action is received on this request, we shall be compelled to seek legal redress on this matter, in favour of the victim.”

Update news