N2.7BN FOR 7 IN NERC BOARD: STOP THIS JUMBO PAY NOW , TUC TELLS FG

In a statement signed by President and Secretary of the union, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal respectively, the union said it considers the report as carried in a national daily as one of the most expensive jokes in recent times.

The union alleged that money for that purpose has already been warehoused with a pension fund administrator who awaits instructions to promptly disburse same to the conspirators.

“The Congress calls on the federal government to stop all of such payments. We insist on it. To this end, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are hereby put on notice to promptly investigate and nip the ungodly move in the bud”, the TUC said.

It noted that the sum of N400 million is said to be projected for Chairman of the Commission and N380 million for other members of the board adding that this is happening at a time when both the federal and state governments are crying hoarse over financial challenges.

The union described the development as the peak of insensitivity and cruelty. “How and why on earth should seven government employees expect to be paid salaries upfront for two years after leaving office during which they would not be eligible ‎to work in the power sector? Worse still is the fact that the colossal sum of money, curiously termed “severance and gratuity,” includes the cost of their “official” cars, phone calls, electricity, rebate allowances, etc. for those post-service years”, TUC said.

The union has questions for those making the decision.
“How much does an average retiring civil servant who has served the country for good 35 years get as severance benefits and gratuity? How justifiable is it for board members of a commission that tactfully midwifed the ripping-off of Nigerians be paid such bogus and mindboggling sum of money for mere five-year “service” to their fatherland? Why must the people at the lower rung of the ladder always be made to subsidize the greedy and insatiable appetites of the privileged few?”, the TUC queried.

According to the union, the NERC board premised their claim on the argument that their predecessors also received such largesse.

“If that be true, why so? Why should people of authority in these climes prefer such obnoxious conduct instead of emulating laudable, commendable and godly virtues? Furthermore, does the recent slump in price of oil in the international market from 90 Dollars per barrel to 50 Dollars not suggest the need for more frugal management of our national wealth? What rationale do these board members who championed crazy policies to validate hike in electricity tariff have for their nauseating craving for such unholy windfall?”, the union queried.