By Adewale Sanyaolu
The dust gathered by the recent redeployment of the immediate past Managing Director/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Tinuade Sanda, to the parent Company West Power Gas(WPG) is yet to be over as WPG has terminated her appointment with immediate effect.
The appointment was terminated in a letter signed by the company’s chairman, Charles Momoh and dated April 17, 2024.
The letter titled, ‘Termination Of Contract Of Employment,’ said Ms Sanda’s termination of employment takes effect from the date on the letter.
It reads, “We refer to your contract of employment dated April 1, 2022, signed between you and WPG Limited [the “Contract”].We hereby advise you that your services are no longer required and accordingly your employment with WPG Ltd is hereby terminated effective April 17, 2024, in accordance with clause 10.2 of the contract.
“WPG Ltd is obligated to pay you three months salary in lieu of notice and hereby advise you that the due amounts have been credited to your account. You are requested to kindly return all company’s properties (whether WPG or EKEDP) in your possession which will include but not limited to laptops, identity card, and status car upon your receipt of this letter.”
Recall that EKEDC had on March 26, 2024 announced the redepoyment of Sanda to WPG in controversial circumstances, replacing here with Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh as the acting CEO with effect same date.
A letter addressed to Sanda and signed by the EKEDC chairman, Mr. Dere Otubu, titled: ‘‘Implementation of NERC Directive on Seconded Staff”, dated March 25, 2024, stated that NERC has directed the EKEDC, to ensure that all staff working for the utility firm are employed directly by the utility and are bound by service conditions that are applicable to the employees of the utility and paid through the utility’s payroll.
Otubu in the letter to Sanda said EKEDC was obligated to obey the directive due to the powers of NERC as stipulated by the Electricity Act of 2023.
‘‘In compliance to the above directive, all seconded staff of West Power and Gas (WPG) Limited are being released by EKEDC and returned to WPG Limited.
“You are hereby relieved of your role, office and position at EKEDC, effective immediately and returned to your employer, WPG Limited. You are directed to handover to the highest ranking staff of EKEDC under you.
We hereby record our appreciation of your valuable services and contribution to the growth and success achieved by EKEDC over the years as a seconded staff from WPG,’’ the statement noted.