An aggrieved observer of the Nigerian Ministry of Sport, Rashidi Balogun has written a petition against the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung for not following due process in hiring two non-Nigerians, Angie Taylor and Eric Campbell.
According to the petition addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, in which vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the National Assembly; Secretary General of the Federation; Honourable Minister of the Interior and the Immigration Controller of the nation were copied, the petitioner claimed that Dalung deliberately broke the law by continuing to engage the services of the duo.
Balogun claimed that Taylor and Campbell were brought to Nigeria as High Performance Center Directors by former President Goodluck Jonathan, "whereas there was no such establishment, even though budgeted and they were paid salaries of over N500m for doing nothing.
"Pursuant to the Public Procurement Act 2007 "PPA" of the Laws of the Federation (LFN) in which the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the federation is a member of the National Council on Procurement by virtue of Section 2(B), the undersigned bring this petition against the above individuals for actions contrary to PPA sections 16(1), 16(6)a(iii), 16(6)f, 19(a)-(h), 23(1), 24-27 and 44(a) punishable under section 58(1) and 58(5). In addition, your attention is directed to the following violations also, Chapter 171 of LFN – Immigration Act and Public Service Rules Sections 1 and 2," the petition read.
Balogun claimed that he had filed a petition with the Attorney General of the Federation on 7th December 2015 which was received by the AG office on 10th December 2015 against the former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and others in respect of the same matter with a warning that the current Minister plans to deliberately breach the Law of the Federation by retaining Taylor and Campbell.
The petition read further, "Those individuals were brought to Nigeria as High Performance Center Directors by former President Goodluck Jonathan, whereas there was no such establishment, even though budgeted and they were paid salaries of over N500million for doing nothing. No one has accounted for such waste.
"Mr. Dalung made a public statement in his office while briefing journalists on or about 1st April 2016. The copy of that published article is hereby attached to this petition. The action of the Minister is contrary to the following provisions of the LFN, the penalties of which are prison sentences.
“PPA Sections 19, 24-7 and 44(a) as noted previously against Mr. Bolahi Abdullahi. (Sections 42-43 of the Act were noted and are not applicable.) Mr. Dalung did not advertisement for the procurement of such services.
“Public Service Rules Section 1 -020102 (appointment of grade level 12 and above). For your reference, the excerpt is below;
“The Federal Civil Service Commission shall make appointment to posts graded GL.12 - 17. Such appointment shall be made as the need arises into the available vacancies after advertisement.”
“The Federal Civil Service or Mr. Dalung did not advertise such vacancy. Salaries paid to these individuals are above level 17. In fact, total salary of $15,000 to Ms Taylor and $12,000 to Eric Campbell plus various perks including housing cars, drivers, security, air tickets, etc.
“Public Service Rules Section 2 – 020205(b), (d) and (e)- (eligibility). For your reference, the excerpt is below;
To be eligible for appointment into the Federal Public Service, every applicant must:
(a) not be less than 18 years and not more than 50 years of age;
(b) possess such minimum qualification as may be specified from time to time including computer literacy.;
(d) possess a testimonial of good conduct from last employer or if not
previously employed, from the last school or college attended; and
(e) possess requisite qualifications as provided for in the scheme of service.”
He noted that Ms Angie Taylor is over 50 years old, did not possess requisite qualifications to be a director in Public Service in Nigeria. And that Mr. Eric Campbell does not possess a University degree or any requisite qualification to be a director or even called expatriate in Nigeria and did not possess a testimonial from his last employer.
“Public Service Rules Section 4-020402(b) (foreigners). For your reference, the excerpt is below;
Contract appointments may be offered to expatriates only when suitable Nigerians are not available.
“There were several Nigerians with better qualifications and Master degrees with Olympics medals as Coaches and individual medals as athletes ready to service on moment notice. Attached herewith are there CVs. Mr. Dalung knew of these individuals and there credentials.
“Immigration Act (Chapter 171) LFN Section 34(1) and punishable under section 34(4)and liable to prison sentence. For your reference, the excerpt is below;
“Where any person in Nigeria is desirous of employing a person who is a national of any other country he shall, unless exempted under this section, make application to the Director of Immigration in such manner as may be prescribed and shall give such information as to the provision to be made for repatriation of that national and his dependants as the Director of Immigrations may reasonably require; and no such person shall be employed without the permission of the Director of Immigration given on such terms as he thinks fit; the provisions of this section shall extend and apply to persons in employment immediately before, as well as to those employed or to be employed at any time after, the commencement of this Act.”
According to Balogun, “there is no proof Mr. Dalung followed the process.
The petitioner concluded that Mr. Dalung arrogate to himself the function of the Head of Civil Service, Minister of Interior and Immigration Controller, a move described by the petitioner as impunity.
He pleaded with President Buhari to order a full investigation into the matter and called for the disengagement of Dalung as sports minister while the investigation takes place.
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