Osun Labour Movement Rejects Ghost Worker Allegations, Demands Forensic Probe
The Osun State Joint Labour Movement comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), views with grave concern and strong indignation the persistent, reckless, and defamatory allegations being made by Sally Tibbot Limited regarding the purported existence of widespread ghost workers within the Osun State Public Service.
It is both alarming and unacceptable that a firm engaged to carry out a professional audit assignment has resorted to media propaganda, political insinuations, and public blackmail, thereby dragging innocent workers and the integrity of the Osun State Public Service into unnecessary controversy.
1. Breach of Professional and Contractual Ethics
An audit firm is expected to operate strictly within the confines of professional standards, objectivity, and confidentiality. The resort to media trials and sensational publications is contrary to established principles of auditing and professional conduct.
The linking of compensation demands to the number of alleged ghost workers reportedly identified raises serious ethical and legal questions. Such an arrangement, if true, is inconsistent with principles of transparency and accountability.
This outcome clearly demonstrates that the consultant’s original figures were grossly exaggerated. In pursuance of the ongoing verification, the consultant of Sally Tibbot was invited by the committee comprising the Government and Labour sides to defend her claim but she refused (Fact check)
2. Violation of Constitutional Rights
The blanket declaration of legitimate workers, as “ghost workers” without due process amounts to: A violation of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which guarantees the right to fair hearing.
An affront to Section 17(3)(a) of the Constitution which obligates the State to ensure that citizens have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood.
An injury to the dignity of workers protected under Section 34(1) of the Constitution.
Publicly branding workers as ghost employees without conclusive judicial or administrative determination constitutes defamation and character assassination.
3. Contravention of Labour Laws
The actions complained of also offend provisions of the Trade Unions Act, which recognizes and protects the rights of organized labour and its members.
Furthermore, under the Labour Act, no worker can be deprived of employment or remuneration without lawful procedure and due process.
Any attempt to arbitrarily remove workers from payroll based on a questionable audit methodology is unlawful and will be resisted within the ambit of the law.
4. Politicization of a Professional Assignment
The continuous appearance of Sally Tibbot Limited on radio, television, and newspaper platforms making allegations suggestive of political motives undermines the neutrality expected of an independent audit consultant.
Professional firms are not political actors. They are bound by neutrality, objectivity, and confidentiality. The transformation of an audit dispute into a political propaganda tool during campaign season is condemnable and dangerous.
5. Our Position as Organized Labour
We strongly condem the media blackmail and defamatory posture adopted by Sally Tibbot Limited.
Demand an immediate cessation of all public accusations against workers pending forensic review by appropriate anti-corruption agencies.
The Osun Joint Labour Movement, hereby condemns the conduct of Sally Tibbott Consulting (Nig.) Ltd in this matter as unprofessional, misleading, and contrary to the principles of fairness and transparency. We welcome Mr. Governor’s invitation to ICPC and EFCC on the matter.
We urge all anti-corruption agencies, civil society groups, and the general public to objectively assess the facts and not be swayed by sensational claims designed to exert pressure for unjust financial gain.
Affirms full support for the decision of the Osun State Government to invite forensic investigation by anti-corruption bodies to independently authenticate the audit and review reports.
Reserves the right to pursue legal redress on behalf of any worker unjustly defamed or wrongfully declared a ghost worker.
Warns against any attempt to unlawfully tamper with the legitimate earnings and employment status of bona fide workers.
6. Final Warning
Organized labour will not fold its arms while hardworking men and women who serve the State diligently are publicly ridiculed and criminalized without due process. If any worker is further subjected to unlawful harassment, intimidation, or reputational damage arising from this controversial audit process, the Joint Labour Movement will mobilize all lawful industrial and legal mechanisms available to defend its members.
The Staff Audit is not yet concluded as claimed by the consultant, the last batch will be screened through MDAs where the 486 workers and Pensioners are expected to face the committee at their different MDAs. (Fact check)
It’s a pity that the Opposition who are trying to play politics with the Osun Staff Audit have a short memory, little did they know that the exercise was based on their Administration record, as inherited by the present administration. (Fact check)
The dignity of labour is not negotiable.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!
NLC, TUC & JNC
