Follow Us on Google
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The industrial harmony in the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was on Tuesday disrupted as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down operations at the headquarters of NCDMB, Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Two canopies were placed at the entry and exit gates preventing workers from gaining access into the building.
Several workers who had resumed work but could not access the premises returned home while others waited in their cars.
Most of the PENGASSAN members who wore red T-shirts with PENGASSAN and NCDMB inscribed on it, were seen in clusters discussing the latest development.
A top military officer who was briefly prevented from entering the building with his entourage was allowed to enter after his car was parked outside.
Findings indicated that the industrial action was as a result of the recent redeployment and posting carried out by the Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
Ogbe had on March 4, 2024 inan internal memo announced the redeployment and promotion of six staff including Mr Ifeanyi Ukoha who was moved from General Manager, Accounts and Finance to Ag Director, Finance and Personnel Management.
Ukoha, whose new position was previously occupied by Mr Isaac Yalla, is believed to have been improperly elevated to the position as sources said he was above 50 years when his appointment was regularised in violation of extant rules of the Civil service.
Others whose appointments were asked to be reversed for not following due process are Mr Mofe Megbele, Chidinma Adiele, Gloria Onajero Osiebe, Mildred Eskor- Brown and Obinna Ofili.
PENGASSA’s industrial action is believed to be predicated on the argument that Ogbe’s action runs contrary to the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Act 2010.
The House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development is currently probing a series of alleged fraudulent contracts and scams facilitated by top level officials within the board.
Some of the questionable transactions totalling $300 million which covers financial and operational irregularities are linked to asset acquisition loans, loans financing and several moribund equity financing and investment.
