Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
West Energy & Gasoline (WPG), the mum or dad firm of Eko Electrical energy Distribution Firm (EKEDC), has fired the embattled former Managing Director and Chief Government of the ability distribution firm, Dr Tinuade Sanda, weeks after she was requested to return to the agency (WPG).
However on its web site final night time, WPG which nonetheless listed Sanda as its Chief Finance Officer, stated the consortium of native companies owns a 60 per cent stake and controlling curiosity in Eko Disco.
Nonetheless, THISDAY gathered that Sanda, who has been within the eye of the storm, following a boardroom disaster on the distribution firm, was relieved of her duties at WPG by way of a letter dated April 17, 2024 and signed by the corporate’s Chair, Charles Momoh.
With the newest growth, shut followers of the occasions that culminated in Sanda’s removing are hopeful that peace will ultimately return to the corporate which primarily provides electrical energy to Lekki, Ibeju, Lagos Island, Orile, Ijora, Apapa, Mushin, Festac, Ojo, Ajah and Agbara.
The primary girl to carry the chief govt place since her appointment in 2022, THISDAY gathered that Sanda joined WPG round 2013, holding a number of positions on the firm earlier than she was seconded to EKEDC, the place she was initially deputy MD after which substantive CEO.
“We check with your contract of employment dated April 1, 2022, signed between you and WPG Restricted.
“We hereby advise you that your companies are not required and accordingly your employment with WPG Ltd is hereby terminated efficient April 17, 2024, in accordance with clause 10.2 of the Contract.
“WPG Ltd is obligated to pay you three months wage in lieu of discover and hereby advise you that the due quantities have been credited to your account.
“You might be requested to kindly return all firm’s properties (whether or not WPG or EKEDP) in your possession which can embrace however not restricted to laptops, id card, and standing automotive upon your receipt of this letter. We want you all the very best in your future endeavours,” the letter titled, ‘Termination of Contract of Employment,’ harassed.
Earlier, noting that he was performing on the power of a letter from the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC), Chairman of the Board of Administrators, Dere Otubu, had directed Sanda to go away her place as MD/CEO of EKEDP, since she was seconded from WPG.
The choice led to what appeared like factions throughout the board, with some members supporting Sanda’s exit and others faulting the chairman’s directive.
“We’ve got obtained a NERC directive dated March 21, 2024, which instructed Eko Electrical energy Distribution Plc inter alia… that each one employees working for the utility are employed by the utility instantly, certain by relevant service situations which are relevant to the workers of the utility and paid by the utilities payroll.
“The Disco is obligated to obey these directives as a result of powers of NERC as stipulated within the Electrical energy Act 2023. In compliance with the above directive, all seconded employees from WPG Ltd are being launched by Eko Electrical energy Distribution Plc and returned to WPG Ltd.
“You might be hereby relieved of your function, workplace, and place at Eko Electrical energy Distribution Plc efficient instantly and returned to WPG Ltd your employer,” a March 25, 2024, memo by the chairman to Sanda learn.
Nonetheless, earlier than the NERC directive, a disaster which was triggered by the problem of suspected ghost employees was already rocking the ability distribution agency, after a couple of staff have been alleged to have been complicit in siphoning funds and paying the ghost employees.
Dissatisfied with the dealing with of the matter by the management of the board, Sanda and different pursuits have been stated to have pushed additional, writing petitions to the Bureau of Public Enterprises and trade regulator, NERC, a call that riled some members of the board. She was ultimately faraway from the place.
The distribution firm thereafter introduced the appointment of Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, as its Performing Chief Government Officer after redeploying Sanda again to WPG from the place she has additionally now been fired.