Reverse Sack Of Argungu As NDE Boss – Senate Tells Buhari

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reconsider his decision to sack the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Nasir Argungu.

The call followed a point of order raised during plenary by the Senator representing Jigawa East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Hadejia.

The lawmakers observed that the President’s decision could have a negative effect on the take-off of the 774,000 job programme of the federal government.

It will be recalled Naija News previously reported according to a memo signed by the President’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu that Dr Argungu was sacked last week Friday, December 4, 2020, but the order didn’t take effect until Monday, December 7.

The President further directed the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to appoint an Acting Director-General from the senior directors of the agency to replace Argungu.

Hours later, a statement by Charles Akpan, Deputy Director/Head (Press and Public Relations) on behalf of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN) revealed the federal government has appointed Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo as the acting Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

Keyamo directed Fikpo to take over the administration of the agency from Monday, 7th December 2020 in acting capacity pending ratification by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Meanwhile, Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday failed to appear before the House of Representatives to answer questions on security situation in the country.

Recall lawmakers in the house had earlier summoned the President to appear before it following the killings of over 43 rice farmers in Borno State by Boko Haram.

The Personal Assistant on Social Media to the President, Lauretta Onochie, had on Monday stated that his principal will address the Assembly.

However, on Thursday, the President was no where to be found.

A lawmaker from Rivers State, Solomon Bob raised a point of order over the President’s refusal to honour the invitation of the house.

Bob charged the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila to update the House on the subject matter.

The Speaker responded by saying the House will wait for official communication from the President.