ASCSN elects Shehu Muhammed as New President, replaces Tommy Etim.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

In a peaceful manner, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) held its 5th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos electing new members of the Central Working Committee which saw Comrade Shehu Muhammed as the new National President.

Four Vice Presidents were also elected while Comrade Adebayo Mubashiru emerged as the National Treasurer.

In line with Rule 14(1) of the Constitution of the union, the appointment of Comrade Joshua Apebo as the Secretary General was rectified.

Comrade Joshua Apebo

Delegates from the 36 states of the Federation attended the Conference which was graced by the Trade Union Congress President, Comrade Festus Osifo and top labour leaders

In a communique after the Delegates Conference signed by the new National President, Comrade Shehu Muhammed and Secretary General, Comrade Joshua Apebo the Association commented on several issues.

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The Association called on the government to restore payment of gratuity to public service employee under the Contributory Pension Scheme in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.

The Association also called for the inclusion of the CPS pensioners in the review of pension increase so that they could benefit from such periodic upward review of pension like their colleagues who retired under the defined benefit scheme in line with the provision of section 173 of the 1999 Constitution which stipulates that pension shall be reviewed every 5years.

On the 70thousand minimum wage, while commending the government the Association called for the setting up of a committee to work out the consequential adjustment arising
from the new National Minimum Wage Act, 2024 as has always been the practice so
that no grade level of workers will be shortchanged.

It also called for the immediate
implementation of the new minimum wage.

The Conference-In-Session equally implored the State Governments to take
necessary measures to block wastages and leakages in Government expenditure so that they could implement the new National Minimum Wage to improve the standard of living of their citizens moreso because they have been receiving enhanced funds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023.

On Insecurity – The Conference-In-Session noted that insecurity in different
parts of the country had contributed to high cost of living since farmers were
prevented from carrying out agricultural activities and accordingly urged the
Government to take necessary measures to reduce security challenges so that citizens could go about their normal duties without fear or hindrances.