FERMA Joint Union Refutes Allegation Against Governing Board

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Union of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has distanced itself from recent media reports accusing the agency’s 6th Governing Board and its Chairman, Dr. Musa Babayo, of abuse of power and interference in day-to-day operations.

In a statement signed by Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Paul Onimisi and Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Idris Abdulmumin, the union described the reports as “false” and “mischievous”.

It says as a democratic body that believes in due diligence in its operations, it never made such statements or endorse the contents therein.

The union attributed the publication to “unscrupulous persons who want to use the name of the Joint Union to score a cheap personal point”, and accused media houses of failing to verify the authenticity of the statements before publication.

“The Union as a democratic body believes in decorum and due diligence in all its operations finds this offensive and belittling, therefore cannot and did not make those statements nor endorse such contents therein,” the statement read.

The FERMA Joint Union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and pledged allegiance to the 6th Governing Board Chairman, FERMA management, and staff, as long as actions align with the Public Service Rules (PSR) and FERMA Act.

The union has requested the retracting of the publication, citing it as malicious and damaging to its reputation.