Workers of Edo sports commission protest over sacking of 513 staff
Workers of the Edo State Sports Commission, on Thursday blocked roads leading to the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium to protest the sacking of 513 workers by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, reports.
The sack, which was contained in a memo dated March 4, 2022, took effect from March 21.
The memo stated that the development, which affected workers who are junior, senior, and management staff members, is part of the government’s transition plan from the now-defunct Edo State Sports Council to the Edo State Sports Commission.
The memo titled, ‘Transition Plan for Staff of Edo State Sports Council to Edo State Sports Commission,’ read, “Following the assessment for the establishment of the Edo State Sports Commission, we have completed the assessment of staff of the defunct Sports Council who possess the requisite skills sets to transit to the new Sports Commission.
“In the foregoing, we have carefully reviewed the organization structure for the new Sports Commission and assessed the existing staff of the defunct council against the required competencies required to operate in the commission.”
The memo further stated that while the affected staff members would be immediately paid their one month in lieu of notice, their pension payment will commence in April 2022.
The aggrieved workers, comprising of athletes, coaches, and administrative staff members, prevented vehicular movement within the stadium area and prevented people from gaining entrance into the stadium.
Some of the protesters said they were surprised to receive a circular of their disengagement and were asked to reapply as casual workers.
One of the protesters, former world powerlifting champion and now coach, Patience Igbiti, said, “I have been here for over 20 years as a permanent staff member, and all of a sudden, you disengaged me. I have rejected jobs abroad to train people for my state. Where do you now want me to start from?
“The governor has not done well and this is not the right way to do this. We have people who are retiring soon, and you sacked them. I am an international figure and I am a breadwinner, do you want me to go to Ring Road and beg for alms? God forbid!”
Another staff, Friday Aibangbe, a blind athlete, said, “The governor did not consider us at all. We worked for him and voted for him and fought for him, now he has disappointed us.
“You sacked the cripple, the able-bodied, and the blind. Look at somebody like me, where does the governor want me to go to? Do I go and start begging for money? Governance should have a human face. It is very sad, it is very painful.”
The commission’s Chairman, Yusuf Ali, while addressing the protesters, promised to take their complaint to the government.
“I wouldn’t have wanted this to be the way we met for the first time, I am a former athlete myself and you know me very well.
“I have always fought for the welfare of athletes. That is why I am here to see how we can solve this. I need suggestions from you so I can take something back to the government,” he said.
