PHCN STAFF FORUM KADUNA ENDORSES N 7.7 BILLION PETITION TO EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) played host to the members of PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna at the headquarters of the commission, Wuse II, Abuja. This came on the heels of an invitation to the Forum to appear for “ENDORSEMENT”  of the petition titled “REQUEST FOR DISCREET INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNAUTHORISED AND UNACCOUNTED SUM OF ABOUT N7.7BILLION (SEVEN BILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND) NAIRA SURREPTITIOUS DEDUCTIONS BY THE NATIONAL UNION OF ELECTRICITY EMPLOYEES (NUEE) AND SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION AND ALLIED COMPANIES (SSAEAC) AT SOURCE UPON PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE BENEFITS TO DEFUNCT STAFF OF THE POWER HOLDING COMPANY OF NIGERIA,”  dated 5th August, 2015.
The invitation was a routine and forms part of the commission’s laid down procedures aimed at ensuring that those who signed petitions on behalf of themselves or groups are human beings and not ghosts. The petition exclusively obtained by thenewinsightng.blogspot.com showed that the purpose was to bring to the attention of the commission the sum of N7.7 billion being 2 % unauthorised and unaccounted deduction at source from the Severance Benefits of over 50, 000.00 defunct staff of PHCN throughout the nation. It prayed the Chairman of EFCC to graciously use his good Office to among other things:
First, thorough investigate the deductions of the 2 % of the total sum accruable to over 50, 000 staff throughout the nation with a view to refund same to us as it has not benefited us.
Second, investigate investments made if any by National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) upon the deduction, ascertain the proceeds, accruable interest and return on investment in that respect from 2013 till date for possible surrender to us (disengaged, retired, living or dead staff) whose deductions were used for such investment.
Third, investigate all properties of the two unions nationwide as acquired through the 2 % deduction at source from the Severance Benefits of over 50, 000 defunct staff of PHCN, of all members disengaged, retired, living or dead.
Fourth, freeze the accounts of both NUEE and SSAEAC pending the outcome of the investigation.
Fifth, investigate the parameters used in computing our Severance Entitlements which has been shrouded in secrecy.
In an interview after the endorsement, the Coordinator, Stanley Ilumah revealed that the encounter was fruitful. He extoled the anti-graft agency for the milestones recorded to guarantee a corrupt-free Nigeria and urged the commission to exercise its functions without fear or favour. He added that, the membership of ex-PHCN Staff ceased on 30th June, 2012, therefore the Union had no right to make any deductions. “The membership of staff to NUEE/SSAEAC automatically ceased on the 30th day of June, 2012 being the terminal date of payment of benefit of staff, as captured in Severance Benefit Advice (Statement of Final Claims), dated 10th June 2013, signaling final exit of the employees’ from union activities and end of the employees’ appointment with the former PHCN Management and the Unions (NUEE/SSAEAC) respectively.” Mr. Ilumah pointed out that staff membership of the two unions under NEPA/PHCN terminated in 2012, leaving the NUEE/SSAEAC with the option to open a fresh and new page of unionism with the new companies if they so  desire.
He insisted that the Forum stands for JUSTICE and will not rest on its oars as it will boldly continue  to interrogate accountability in the unions. adding that anyone or group of persons who invested as much as N7.7 billion Naira for three years ought to have substantially reaped from the investments but that is not forthcoming, he said. The Coordinator denied sponsorship of the Forum by anybody or group as suggested in some quarters and urged those who carried out the illegal deduction to be contrite, ask God for forgiveness and tow the path of restitution. Accompanying the Coordinator for the endorsement were Sunday Onyemaechi Eze and Etudaiye Eneye (Zaks). Aluta Continua!