Ondo workers give Akeredolu ultimatum to reverse HOS tenure elongation

The Association of Concerned Ondo state Civil Servants on Monday condemned,what it described as ‘illegal and unconstitutional’ tenure elongation of Dare Aragbaye as the head of service of ondo state and Taye Otun, permanent secretary ministry of works for another one year by governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

They however called for immediate reversal of the tenure elongation within 21 days or face labour unrest.

In a statement by Akin Medayese and Festus Ojo, Chairman and secretary ,the group said the Civil Service is a creation of the law and all pensionable employment within the service are coated with statutory flavour.

“ Under the public service rule and relevant extant circulars on retirement of civil servants, the mandatory retirement age is 60 years of age or 35 years of service whichever comes first.”

They pointed out that no civil servant was permitted to stay beyond the retirement age under any guise, saying the Governor is vested with the powers to appoint the Head of service and other Permanent Secretaries, the constitution equally provides that their appointment is not at the pleasure of the Governor.

The group questioned the rational behind the tenure elongation of two Senior officers , against the compulsory retirement of eight permanent secretary in the state Civil service

The group therefore called on the Governor, to as a matter of urgency reverse the extension of tenure beyond retirement age within the next 21days because it is alien to the rules and regulations of the civil service and capable of setting a dangerous precedent and disharmony in the Ondo state civil service.

Noting that failure to reverse this illegal extension, the group will not hesitate to take every legal steps in this regard, moreso declare a trade dispute with the state government.

They urged the state workers to remain steadfast and in solidarity as the union will not rest on its oars in ensuring this issue is resolved and the sanctity of the civil service is upheld at all times.