Coalition distances self from allege breach of law by FG

Following allegations of breach of procedural law in the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Council for Social Work, (NCSW), by the federal government, Coalition of Social Work Professional Associations in Nigeria (COSOWPAN), has said it will continue to support effort of government in regulating the practice of social work in Nigeria as it dissociate itself from such spurious and unfounded allegations.

Consisting the Association of Social Work Educators in Nigeria, (ASWEN), Association of Medical Social Workers, (AMSWON), Social Welfare Association of Nigeria, (SOWAN), and the Association of Federal Social Workers, (AFSOW), the body expressed concern over reactions by sister body, Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), on the constitution of the governing board of the council.

In a communiqué signed by the Chairman, SOWAN, Aliko Hamma, the Organizing Secretary, AFSWOW, Tunde Baiye and the National President, AMSWON, Kayode Anthony Ogedengbe, the group noted that an earlier statement made public by NASoW alleging that the inauguration of the NCSW lacked procedural merit is far from truth. It insists that due process in accordance with the NCSW law was followed to the latter.

The coalition “formally announces its unequivocal dissociation from the recent press release issued by the President of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers, (NASoW), Alhaji Mashood Mustapha.

“It is imperative to clarify that the inauguration was done in accordance with the provisions of the NCSW (Establishment) Act 2022. NASoW President’s statement erroneously disregards this alignment, reflecting a misunderstanding of the Act’s statutory composition and provisions. His statement clearly emanated from misconstrued thoughts in his imagination.

“COSOWPAN expresses dismay and disappointment over NASoW’s President’s reaction to the inauguration of the long-awaited Governing Board of the Nigerian Council for Social Work by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the statement contains.

It adds that “NASoW’s President issued an unsanctioned statement, devoid of consultation with other social work affiliates, portraying an isolated perspective. He should also note that NASoW or any other association has no business with regards to the ministry where the Council is domiciled as that is strictly a government affairs.

“This is coming at a point where every professional stakeholder is celebrating the Honourable Minister for trail-blazing event to break the jinx on the inauguration of the Council. We join the multiple social work professionals to commend the Honorable Minister’s proactive stance in inaugurating the Board, emphasizing the critical role played by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and UNICEF Nigeria in addressing Social Service sector issues at the federal level.”

Highlighting key points for the NASoW President’s consideration, the group pointed that, NASoW, like other associations such as AMSWON, ASWEN, SOWAN, and AFSWOW, operates within the ambit of professional affiliations, not as a regulatory body, hence his overriding sense of entitlement is unnecessary and undeserving as there is no section of the Act that mandates the ministry to consult with NASoW before the constitution of the Council.

“Government oversight supersedes individual or association interests. The Council’s composition is designed for professional social workers’ representation, a fact overlooked in NASoW’s statement. We are certain that NaSOW was duly informed and invited like every other affiliate recognized by the law but Nasow’s mischievous absence at the inauguration was inexplainable, evidently for obvious reasons,” the group stated.

It notes that the introduction of ‘Non-statutory membership for the Council signifies proactive steps toward its operationalization, aligning with the imminent cessation of government funding for regulatory bodies by December 2024 which is not out of place.

“COSOWPAN wishes to stress that NASoW does not have the mandate to regulate professions in Nigeria neither does it possess an overriding stake above other affiliates. We therefore emphasize the government’s responsibility to establish and supervise councils, as demonstrated by the Honourable Minister’s actions on behalf of the federal government.

“In conclusion, COSOWPAN reaffirms its unwavering support for the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and the newly constituted Nigeria Council for Social Work. The organization unequivocally distances itself from Alhaji Mustapha’s press release,” it concludes.

Recall, NASoW National President, Mashood Mustapha in a statement, weekend, alleged that that the inauguration of the council without the contributions of the association is in contrast to the Act calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter.