The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is facing multiple court cases from staff who were recently relieved of their jobs under the reorganisation of the apex bank by the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Over 100 suits have so far been filed by personnel recently sacked by the bank to challenge what they termed an unjust termination of their service. They are also seeking payment of all their entitlements.
The Central Bank of Nigeria laid off over 200 staff on May 24, 2024, through a letter titled “Re-Organisation.”
The lead counsel to some of the affected staff on Thursday, after filing some of the cases before the National Industrial Court Abuja, Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, said his claimants approached the court to enforce their right as workers to a fair hearing over their unjust sack by CBN.
He explained that the unlawful action of CBN had caused various damages, running into hundreds of millions before the court.
Olanipekun prayed that the court would ensure that the defendant pays all the claimants all their monthly salaries, allowances and other emoluments and entitlements.
He also disclosed that the sum of N30 million is being demanded as the cost of litigation and prosecution of the suit, with 21 per cent post-judgement interest per annum on all judgements sums awarded, from the date of judgement until the entire judgement sum is wholly defrayed or liquidated.
He explained that the Originating Summons, dated August 22, 2024, is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the claimants.