The Federal Government has expressed concern over the numerous lawsuits filed against it particularly on allegations of disciplinary measures taken on federal employees in the last few years.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, voiced these worries of the federal government in a memo with reference no: HCSF 3065/Vol.1/125, titled “Need To Prevent Avoidable Litigations Arising From Poor Handling Of Disciplinary Cases In MDAs”
According to the Civil Service head, the inefficient handling of disciplinary matters resulted in unnecessary court cases, financial implications, and embarrassment for the government.
Yemi-Esan also gave a stern warning to permanent secretaries and chief executive officers in the ministries, departments, and agencies, explaining that if the situation persists, they will be held accountable.
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The memo read, “it has been observed with great concern that there is an increase in court cases arising from dismissal and termination of appointment of staff without proper administrative procedures by some MDAs.
“This has led to avoidable litigation leading to court judgments against the government with a huge consequential financial burden.
“In most cases, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, is joined as a defendant in the litigations instituted by the aggrieved staff or their unions. The consequential appearance by the legal officers deplete the limited resources of the Office”.
Yemi-Esan added, “all MDAs are advised to follow due process in handling staff matters, especially disciplinary cases. As you are aware, there are useful extant rules, regulations and guidelines that guide disciplinary processes. Specifically, Public Service Rules (PSR) issued by OHCSF and “Guidelines on Appointments, Promotion and Disciplines” issued by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) are very useful.”
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“In cases where there are doubts, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation should be contacted for guidance. “Henceforth, Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, whose poor handling of disciplinary matters leading to avoidable court cases, consequential financial implication and embarrassment to the government shall be personally held liable,” the memo further read.
