A scandal involving the reinstatement of a public servant, Bola Audu Innocent, has been brought to light, revealing a breach of public service rules.
Bola Audu Innocent, who is currently facing criminal charges for alleged fraud, was reinstated as a Chief Accountant in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, despite the ongoing trial.
The Anti-Corruption, Good Governance, and Human Rights Watch Network (AGHRWN) has demanded an explanation from the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), and the Office of the Head of Civil Services of the Federation (OHSF) regarding the violation of public service rules.
In response to the scandal, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Minister of Justice, who is also the Attorney-General of the Federation, to initiate an immediate investigation into the involvement of FCSC, OAGF, and OHSF in this “shady and scandalous recall” of the public servant. TUC has highlighted the clear violation of public service rules in this case, which they believe was orchestrated by the Federal Civil Service Commission.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice, TUC expressed their concerns and requested an in-depth probe into the matter. They emphasized that Bola Audu Innocent is currently facing prosecution by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the NAPTIP and the ICPC on charges of human trafficking and exploitation. Furthermore, Bola Audu Innocent was also arraigned by the ICPC for alleged fraud. TUC has urged the Minister of Justice to constitute a panel of inquiry to investigate this scandalous recall.
The Federal Civil Service Commission, in a letter to the Accountant General of the Federation, directed the reinstatement of Mr. Bola-Audu Innocent and restoration of his full emoluments. However, AGHRWN has pointed out that according to public service rules, disciplinary action can still be taken against an officer even if criminal proceedings are ongoing or about to be instituted.
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has acknowledged the concerns raised and has called for an extraordinary session of the commission to review the matter in light of the representations made by the civil service union and Congress. The commission aims to reconsider their earlier administrative decision in this case, especially with the presence of four Hon. Commissioners who are lawyers.
This scandal has raised serious questions about the adherence to public service rules and the integrity of the reinstatement process for public servants facing criminal charges. The investigation initiated by TUC and the call for a panel of inquiry by AGHRWN demonstrate the commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the government.
