Coalition Demands Probe Of Petroleum Ministry Union Leaders

Members of the Coalition of Geo-Political Youth Associations of Nigeria and Civil Societies have asked the minister of state for Petroleum Resources and the head of the Civil Service of the Federation to investigate alleged misconduct by some members of staff and union leaders in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The groups accused the officials of unprofessional conduct, blackmail and unfair treatment against the ministry’s director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Bala Saleh.

The coalition’s convener, Ambassador Olasunkanmi Kolawole, told journalists in Abuja yesterday that the union leaders must publicly apologise to Saleh and his family within seven working days.

He warned that failure to do so would compel the coalition to mobilise Nigerian youths to the ministry in protest until the union leaders were disciplined.

Kolawole described Saleh as a civil servant with an impeccable track record, noting his service at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and other offices before his recent posting to the petroleum ministry three months ago.

He said that despite his integrity and adherence to ethical standards, Saleh had been subjected to unfair treatment that misled the public into chanting “Bala must go” at his office.

“The coalition stands against some union leaders’ immoral and unethical behaviour towards Mr Saleh. He has demonstrated integrity and professionalism and does not deserve this unjust treatment,” Kolawole said.