Various calls, emails and facebook responses have trailed the letter sent to BPE by PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna demanding immediate offset of the remaining entitlements of ex-staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria. The forum has taken note of the emotions, reasons, accusations, counter-accusations, frustrations and anger dissipated on the matter. It is quite heart-warming to note that after three years of conspiracy of silence on the unpaid benefits of a group which served the nation creditably well, the issues raised by the forum for prompt address is gathering the desired momentum.
2.1 ONE WORLD MANY VOICES
Having diverse opinions is essential to every social situation, however, it must be well situated that most if not all ex-staff want all their remaining benefits verified and paid as quick as possible. They have also come to the realisation that the issues of Severance Benefits were shabbily addressed by those responsible. It is the candid view of the forum as always that the two unions have failed woefully in this direction and do not have confidence in them. Therefore, those directly affected by the ineptitude of the unions should take the bull by the horns. If you do not take care of your lips, harmattan does. Rights of individuals are fought for not freely given. It is the path to freedom the forum has chosen to tread.
Meanwhile, this piece seeks to give an insight, address passionately various skepticisms, questions and concerns raised on the entire struggle to pay ALL OF US our dues and to also chart a way forward for the common good of all.
3.1 JUSTICE IS NOT EARNED BY PROXY
Questions were raised by a few why the letter sent to BPE reflected only the interest of members of PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna. It must be stated here without prejudices that justice is not earned by proxy. When it comes to personal rights of adult-individuals, the onus lies on them to decide and consent to further actions. However, continuous efforts aimed at ensuring that we are all at par and on the same page are in progress. The forum went as far as discussing the issues with some of our colleagues from other zones and made USEFUL SUGGESTIONS. Those in constant discussion with the forum are Ojo Joseph-Ibadan Zone (Ekiti), Mr. Solar-Kano Zone (Kano) and others from Ikeja, Jos, Benin, Port Harcourt and Enugu Zones who did not give express permission to mention their names. However, it is unfortunate that most zones seem to be at loss as per the reason for this struggle. Most people expect the 16 months like the coming of Jesus Christ. The question is how much is the 16 months compared to other unpaid legitimate entitlements? Every zone is encouraged to liaise with these people as we all journey towards realising this onerous objective while the zones not mentioned should key in.
4.1 NELMCO AND A NEW DIMENSION TO THE LAXITY OF THE UNIONS
A new and different dimension introduced to the laxity of the unions with respect to the welfare of ex-staff was the non-payment of 2013 bulk rent, transfer transport allowances, medical benefits and others across the zones. It is instructive to direct such complaints to NELCOM instead of BPE. However, how much pressure did the two unions exert on NELMCO which is the entity responsible for settling all the liabilities incurred by Distribution Companies before privatisation to commence immediate payment three years on? Those who it seemed buried their placentas at the union secretariat in Lagos or elsewhere at the zonal secretariats across Nigeria should explain the rationale behind the muteness in the face of unpaid entitlements already worked for. Does a labourer not deserve his wage? An inspiring story came from an ex-staff, Mr. Victor Oluwulana who commented on his facebook page how those in Ibadan zone employed the services of a lawyer to compel NELMCO to pay their 2013 bulk rent after the national and zonal union officials abandoned them to their fate. They were paid after a while without any input from any union leaders. This story is verifiable. Those who did not receive theirs should as well tow this productive line of action.
5.1 ZONAL LETTERS OF COMPLAINT TO BPE
With the locking up of BPE by the enumerators and the resolution between them and BPE that an official letter of complaint should be sent to BPE by the latter on issues of unpaid entitlements raised, there was no way one letter from Kaduna would have addressed the peculiar problems of every zone squarely. After thorough analysis of the Severance Advice of both enumerators and other staff of Kaduna zone, the forum felt all ex-staff were short paid and should be carried along. In fact, for ease of administration, convenience, management of issues and people, it was the candid view of this forum that every zone should forward a jointly signed letter reminiscent of the one we did to the BPE. This idea was conveyed to the people I mentioned their names in 3.1 above including those from Ikeja, Jos, Benin, Port Harcourt and Enugu Zones who I have adduced the reason for not divulging their names. At the end, we will all find a common ground to jointly push our demands to the next level.
6.1 THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO A COIN
You cannot take it away from those who it seemed their placentas were buried at the union secretariat in Lagos or elsewhere at the zonal secretariats across Nigeria to see things differently. Despite drowning in the endless ocean of unemployment for the past three years, they still have cause to glorify the union hoping that perhaps miracle will come from them. It is important to reiterate that even in Kaduna; some elements (ex-staff) have gone out to grant press conferences disassociating themselves from the forum. If this can happen in Kaduna, one wonders what could happen in other zones. After his bid to become the NLC President failed in March, 2015, Joe Ajaero Support group echoed the words of Martin Luther –King jnr. on their facebook “Our lives begin to end the moment we become silent about things that matter.” For their group, it is their birth right to protest injustice done while the forum is branded a toothless bulldog.
7.1 A BUNDLE OF BROOM CANNOT BE BROKEN
One finger cannot remove mice from the hair. We must be resolute, united and patient. We must stand firm and remain unshaken despite all odds. Like a bundle of broom, there must be unity of purpose for us to achieve our desired objectives. It was on this note that the forum urges you to keep on keeping on.
Sunday Onyemaechi Eze
For: PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna
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