The Pan-African Society for Social and Economic Change (PASSEC) has petitioned the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, calling for urgent action over serious allegations of forgery, fraud, and financial misconduct within the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI).
In a formal letter, PASSEC accused Mr. Olusoji Oluwole of being unlawfully installed as ASSBIFI’s National President following a disputed 2022 election. According to the organization, Comrade Amina Danesi had rightfully won the election through a free and fair process but was denied her mandate through what it described as a manipulated and fraudulent process.
PASSEC alleged that Mr. Oluwole’s ascension to office was facilitated through forged documents and misrepresentation of his employment status. The group claims that Oluwole had been dismissed from Sterling Bank in 2020, which, under the Trade Union Act, would render him ineligible for union leadership.
The petition further alleges that fake employment records, such as payslips, pension contributions, and tax documents, were produced in collaboration with certain staff members of Sterling Bank’s Human Resources Department. PASSEC noted that the bank’s Managing Director may be unaware of these alleged irregularities, but warned that the bank’s reputation and credibility could be at risk if the matter is not addressed.
In addition to the claims of forged documentation, PASSEC also alleged that over ₦300 million has been misappropriated since Mr. Oluwole assumed leadership in November 2022.
The organization expressed concern that previous petitions submitted by aggrieved ASSBIFI members have been ignored by officials within the Ministry of Labour, raising questions about transparency and oversight within the Ministry itself.
As part of its demands, PASSEC has called on the Ministry to:
– Launch an independent investigation into Mr. Oluwole’s employment status, in collaboration with Sterling Bank.
– Request the release of original employment records, including payslips, pension, and tax documentation from 2020 to date.
– Direct the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend recognition of the current ASSBIFI leadership pending the outcome of the investigation.
– Refer the matter to relevant law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the EFCC, DSS, CBN, and ICPC, for further inquiry and possible prosecution.
– Begin the process of reinstating the legitimately elected leadership of ASSBIFI, led by Comrade Amina Danesi, in line with the union’s constitution and electoral process.
Comrade Basah Mohammed, Executive Director of PASSEC, emphasized the urgency of ministerial intervention to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s trade union movement.
“We are committed to cooperating with the Ministry and all relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails and that public and labour institutions are protected from abuse,” he stated.
As the situation develops, attention now turns to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which is under increasing pressure to respond to allegations that could have far-reaching consequences for labour governance in Nigeria.
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Reporting by Agnes Ekebuike Editor, Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
