Akutah Not Responsible for Sack of Tiv Employees at Shippers’ Council

Akutah Not Responsible for Sack of Tiv Employees at Shippers’ Council – Kwande Brotherhood

Abuja, Nigeria – The Kwande Brotherhood (KB), a socio-political association representing the Kwande intermediate area of Benue State, has refuted allegations claiming that Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), unlawfully sacked 13 employees of Tiv origins.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Robert Moze, and National Secretary, Hon. Justine Tyover Agande, the group described the allegations as a baseless smear campaign aimed at tarnishing Barr. Akutah’s reputation. KB clarified that the affected employees were removed based on directives from the National Assembly, citing violations of the Federal Character principles in their recruitment.

Recruitment Irregularities Spark Controversy

The statement revealed that the former NSC boss, Emmanuel Jime, had recruited the 13 employees during his tenure. However, the appointments allegedly contravened due process, as they were rushed without proper approval and lacked compliance with Federal Character requirements.

Following petitions by the NSC Staff Union, the recruitment process was reviewed by oversight bodies, including the National Assembly and the Federal Character Commission, which recommended the cancellation of the appointments.

Akutah’s Role in Resolving the Crisis

Upon taking office, Barr. Akutah reportedly sought an amicable resolution to the issue, ensuring the affected employees were given the opportunity to participate in a fresh recruitment exercise. However, the employees declined the offer and instead pursued legal action challenging their dismissal.

The group emphasized that Barr. Akutah’s efforts were guided by fairness and adherence to regulatory standards, and his Tiv ethnicity played no role in influencing the outcome.

Smear Campaign Allegations

Kwande Brotherhood accused loyalists of Emmanuel Jime, including Barr. Gwaza Madaki, of orchestrating the false allegations. They claimed these actions were rooted in bitterness over Jime’s removal as NSC CEO.

KB warned the sponsors of the smear campaign to desist or risk exposure, stating, “We possess documentary evidence that corroborates these facts. If this smear campaign persists, we will unveil the details and expose those behind it.”

Call for Unity

The group praised Barr. Akutah for his commitment to upholding the reputation of the NSC and urged all parties to desist from actions capable of tarnishing his image. They also appealed to stakeholders to allow due process to prevail and to refrain from politicizing the matter.