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Mike Adenuga in fresh trouble as lawyer sues Glo for N50Billion over sack of female worker
A renowned legal practitioner and public interest litigation expert, Tunji Salawu, Esq has given several grounds to why his clients have resolved to drag the Globacom, operators of Glo telecommunications to court.
He also instituted a N50 billion legal action against the suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) via suit number (NICN/ABJ/75/2018).
In the statement of facts establishing the cause of action obtained by newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, 20th March, 2018, the sacked female workers pointed out that, they were employed by the Defendants between 2003 and 2008, and have individually put in between average of 7 to 15 years in the employment of the Defendants.
They wondered why dedicated staff who have impacted positively on the fortunes of the company could be sacked with a wave of the hand on the flimsy reason bothering on their marital status.
It could be recalled that, Public Interest Litigation Initiative (PILI) only last week informed of its decision to take up the matter in order to restore and enforce the fundamental human rights of the affected female staff of the telecommunications company.
In that statement, the Executive Director of PILI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba said: “It is disheartening to hear that these particular set of female staff who have worked very hard to take the company to the height it has attained today could be treated in a needlessly reckless manner. We at PILI find this unacceptable and have taken a legal action to challenge this glitch.
“It is going to be a legal fight to the finish until and unless very urgent and responsible steps are taken by Globacom to restate them back to their various positions with full benefits in addition to paying damages to them for distorting their career path or progress.
The legal statement said the Claimants plead and rely on their various letters of employment as employees in the management cadres at Gloworld department, the retail arm of Globacom Limited with branches and outlets all over Nigeria.
Sections of the statements read: “The Claimants are all married women in the Gloworld Department, (a customer facing unit) of the Globacom Limited.
“The Claimants were all employed as single females but later had changes of Marital Status in the course of their employment.
“Throughout the length of their services with the Defendants, the Claimants performed the job specification to their best of abilities and were never found wanting by the Defendants and
“In fact, the Claimant had variously been promoted and earned commendations of the Defendants”.
Other facts supplied include:
“The Claimants have continued to work diligently until, 8th March, 2018, a day set aside globally as “Women’s Day” when they got a shocking gifts from Defendants in premeditated sack letters, terminating their employments. The Claimants plead and shall rely on the respective letters of termination of employments at the trial.
“The Claimants state that the purported letters of termination of appointment violated the terms and conditions of service of the employees of the defendants. The Claimants plead and shall rely on the conditions of service of the Defendants at the trial. Notice is hereby given to the defendants to produce the conditions of service and staff handbook manual at the trial.
“The Claimants state that the purported termination of their employments was premeditated discriminatory and in bad faith as can be deduced from the cumulative events leadings to the termination”.
According to document, sometime in July, 2017, the Defendants embarked on what was termed staff profiling of all the Gloworld staff, wherein they requested for the following particulars of the staff, among others; full length and portrait picture, passport photograph, date of birth, marital status and length of service at the Globacom Limited despite that all the above information was available to the Human Resources Department of the Defendants, the Claimants nevertheless complied with the request and forwarded their details.
Again, in January, 2018, the Executive Director, (Legal) of the 1st defendant, Mrs Gladis Talabi, Jumoke Aduwo, Human Resources Manager and the regional managers of Gloworld went round all the branches nationwide to “see” all Gloworld staff and conduct “physical verification”, wherein the following personal questions were asked: are you married? How many children do you have? How long have you been in the system? Etc. The staff were further asked to file out for physical examination and have their photographs taker by lined photographers, it added.
The details of other grounds are:
“The Claimants state that the employment processes of the Defendants were conducted in violation of the rights of the applicants to human dignity as often, shortlisted candidates after successful interviews with the Globacom Human Resources personnel’s were further made to face personal interview by the Chairman of the Globacom Dr. Mike Adenuga, where they were advised to look nice, make up well, wear push up bras, chest out, wear miniskirts, a well manicured nails and generally look sexy for the interview with the Chairman.
“After all the rigors of the interview, the successful applicants were given letters of employment through various agencies of the Defendant, such as Contact Centre Services Limited, Vixen Enterprises, Umbrella Limited, Blue Moon Ventures, Dragnet Limited, etc. All affliates of the 1st Defendant.
“Sometime in 2008, the 2nd defendant, Global Manpower Limited (GML) was introduced to the Claimants who were made to sign over their appointments to the agency under duress and without opportunity to read and understand the contract.
“The Claimants state that they were not even avail with a copy of the new contract signed with the 2nd Defendant.
“Again sometime in 2012, the Claimants were made to sign a bond that they would remain in remain in the employment of Globacom Limited for a certain number of Years and any dissengament of staff within the period either voluntarily or by default of the defendant would attract a penalty of 10 Million Naira. The claimant plead and shall rely on the copy of the bond at the trial. The Defendants are hereby given notice to produce the original bond at the trial.
“Furthermore, in 2016, the Claimants, are Gloworld Managers and Stock Controllers were made to bring two guarantors such as bank Managers, Clergymen, High networth individual and level 14 and above Civil Servants. The guarantors were made to provide a blank signed but undated cheques and ittle documents of landed properties in choice locations as well as letters of introduction from banks. The Claimants pleads and shall rely on copies of the said guarantors bond at the trial.
“Those who were unable to meet up with deadlines for the submission of the guarantors had their salaries withheld till they were able to meet up.
“The Claimants state that those documents and bonds including the signed but undated cheques are still in possession of the defendants till date.
“The Claimants state that due to the bond entered with the Defendants they have had to stay back from several job opportunities.
“The Claimants state that sequel to the termination of their appointments, the defendants paid one month salary and unpaid leave allowance into the accounts of the Claimants, leaving out pending Domestic Travel Allowances (DTAS), pending relocation allowances and outstanding float retirements purportedly in lieu of the notice of termination.
“The Claimants also state that the payment of one month salary in lieu of notice is contrary to the 60 days notice required under the condition of service.
“The Claimants state further that the defendants failed to remit their pension contribution as well as tax deductions to the relevant tax agencies and pension managers.
“The Claimants reasonably believe that the mass retrenchment was target against them as married women, because about 97% of the staff whose employment were terminated and laid off are married women.
“The Claimants positions were immediately filled by single female and male staff.
“The Claimants while contending that the purported termination of their employments by the defendants was unlawful, also aver that their rights as married women have been seriously trampled upon by the Defendants.
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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos
stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.
Leading The Charge :
At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.
Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.
Valued Members :
The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :
– Afonja Gbajoba
– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu
– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie
– Ejire Akewi Oba
– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi
– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo
– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji
– Aishat Irepo Obi
– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)
– Alh. Dasola Abeke
– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki
– Ameerat Oninure
– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya
– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi
– Alh. Mujidat Damilola
– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.
– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe
– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola
– Sakirat Yeye Oge
– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi
– Queen Abebi Ayala
– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)
– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella
– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.
A Legacy of Excellence :
The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.
Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
… As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders
By Ifeoma Ikem
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.
CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.
He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades
“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.
To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said
In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .
He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;
it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty
He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.
According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.
Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025
“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.
“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement
“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded
Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited
The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.
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