Stop unverified petitions against NiMet DG, Aviation Union warns

In a bid to maintain professionalism and fairness in the aviation sector, the Aviation Union has issued a stern warning against the circulation of unverified petitions targeting the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The union under the aegis of NIMET Joint Committee (NIJAC) comprising of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, the Civil Service Technical Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Own Company (SSASCGON).

The warning is coming on the backdrop of a petition by a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress Chief Olufemi Adegboye written against the Director General of NIMET’ Prof Mansur Bako Matazu, addressed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and copied to the President National Assembly, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other key government functionaries

Adegboye had accused the Director General of NIMET’ Prof Mansur Bako Matazu of misappropriation of funds, acute nepotism, running of government establishment down, Lack of Federal character principles, lack of due process, misplacement of priorities, employment without approval, unexecuted and uncompleted paid project, unjust and irregular accelerated promotion.

However, the union’s branch secretaries, Comrades Okunbor Hycent, Okereafor Remeo, Alao Adesina and Alleh Kehinde King, respectively took turns to voice their concerns over the petition.

Speaking during a media parley, the union called on the APC chieftain to exercise caution and refrain from participating in any actions that could potentially damage the reputation of the agency and its leadership.

According to them, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Matazu, is highly respected in the aviation industry, both nationally and internationally.

“His efforts and expertise have brought significant advancements to the organization and have increased its influence on the global stage.

“We are concerned about the damage these unverified petitions can cause to the aviation industry as a whole. It is important for all relevant parties to exercise restraint and adhere to established protocols before engaging in any accusations or allegations against the NiMet boss.”

Adding: “We urge petitioners to gather concrete evidence and follow the appropriate channels for their concerns to be addressed.”

The Aviation Union emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in handling any grievances within the industry.

Furthermore, the union highlighted the professionalism and dedication of Prof. Matazu, who has been instrumental in enhancing Nigeria’s meteorological services.

“Under his leadership, NiMet has progressed significantly, leading to improved weather forecasting, enhanced safety measures, welfare of staff, among others.

“Nimet is not a political forum, as workers in the agency are mostly professionals who have the trust of the public. As earlier stated, we as unions cannot speak for the management of NiMet, but we as workers’ leaders can categorically state based on our observations as critical stakeholders here that the petitioner may not have been properly briefed before hastily forwarding his petition to the bodies he sent it.

“He may wish to understand that the things he mentioned in his petition passed through bureaucratic processes before they were executed and relevant government bodies carried along otherwise, the union would have been the first to alert the public. Our role is also to ensure the survival of NiMet because that is where we are paid salaries”, they said.

They affirmed that the Director General/CEO NiMet leadership style was centred on inclusivity and void of nepotism and parodiatism, which has contributed towards the development of the agency, adding that since the inception of his administration, members of staff have relatively enjoyed unity among themselves irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.