…Wants status quo maintained
BY NONYE JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The National Industrial Court (NIC) has ordered that all process for the interview for the position of Registrar and Bursar for the Federal University, Oye Ekiti State scheduled for 2nd February, 2022 be stopped and status quo maintained untill the determination of the case.
It would be recalled that the Registrar, Olatunbosun Odusanya and Bursar, Mrs Bolatito Akande were in April and June last year, 2021 relieved of their jobs by the university Governing Council led by the Chairman, Dr. Muhammad lawan Yahuza.
Not satisfied with their removal, the embattled Registrar and Bursar opted for the intervention of the lawmakers through the chairman of the Senate committee on public petition and privilege, Senator Akinyeluye who intervened to resolve the matter amicably in an executive session.
It was further gathered that after waiting for the council to come up with their decision out of the proposed suitable options for both sides, ruling was given in August 2021 to reinstate the Registrar and the Bursar.
Again the duo waited to no response on the letter of appeal for reinstatement. Instead, the Governing Council ignored the Senate and went on with the process of appointing new Registrar and Bursar for the university.
The duo now approached the national industrial court to seek redress on the matter of unjust removal from their positions.
In an exparte application with suit Number NICN/ABJ/10/2022 the national industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja judicial division on 31st January, 2022 granted the prayers of both the embattled Registrar and the Bursar and ordered a stop on the process of interviewing a new Registrar and Bursar and further ordered that both sides should maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
To this effect the proposed interview scheduled to hold on the 2nd February, 2022 for the appointment of new Registrar and Bursar must not hold until determination of the matter.
In the order by Hon. Justice E.N Agbakoba Presiding Judge of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, he said, ” After the learned counsel for the claimants, Kenechukwu Azie Esq having considered his exparte application and the fact that the claimants has abandoned prayer one, I find that in the interest of justice would be best served if this case is.granted accelerated hearing.
” Meanwhile, the case is adjourned to 17th February, 2022 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.
” Parties are hereby directed to maintain status quo ante bellum and not to undertake to do.anything that would lead to a.break down of law and order”.
