Senate summons Adenuga over alleged maltreatment of staff

Against the backdrop of a petition sent to the Senate of the National Assembly by an ex-Managing Director of Conoil Nigeria Plc, Mr. Charles Uwaechie, the chairman of the company, Dr. Mike Adenuga has been summoned by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to appear before it tomorrow November 23, 2016 for a public hearing on the investigation of the allegations.

Mr. Uwaechie, The New Diplomat gathered, petitioned the Senate over what he alleged was acts of impunity, arbitrariness, oppression and disregard to Labour and extant laws by Conoil Plc and the person of Dr. Mike Adenuga resulting in injustice to him (Mr. Uwaechie).  He alleged he was employed in Conoil Plc in 2010 as Head of Distribution and Supply and by 2014, he was appointed as the Managing Director and subsequently, the Acting Executive Director of the company.  He however expressed surprise that without any cause, the chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga suspended his salary from July, 2015 without any cause, adding that for the five years he worked in the company he had neither being queried nor faced any disciplinary action.

Uwaechie claimed that even after complying with all the company’s requirement for disengagement, his accrued salaries and other entitlements totaling N29,320,547.95 (Twenty nine million, three hundred and twenty thousand, five hundred and forty seven naira, ninety five kobo) as well as other terminal benefits consistent with the practice in the industry were yet to be paid to him.  He therefore urged the Senate to intervene so that the chairman will authorize the company to pay him his entitlement.

The Senate, The New Diplomat gathered, committed the petition to the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee under the chairmanship of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for investigation.  Consequently, the committee invited Dr. Mike Adenuga to appear before it tomorrow November 23, for a public hearing on the investigation of the allegation leveled against him and Conoil Nigeria Plc.

According to the invitation letter signed by the Clerk of the Committee, Mr. Freedom Osolo, the meeting which was slated for 3:pm tomorrow would take place at Room 120, New Senate Building, National Assembly, Abuja.