In a related development, the senate rejected the petition filed by another petitioner against the NDPHC regarding the alleged unlawful termination of his appointment in 2018.
The senate has upheld the dismissal of Uwalaka Peter Ebere from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, citing his alleged involvement in job racketeering and fraudulent extortion of money from job seekers. The decision, aimed at serving as a deterrent, also directs the Auditor General’s office to identify and prosecute other culpable officers engaging in similar practices.
This resolution followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during Tuesday’s plenary. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), examined a petition filed by Uwalaka, who accused the Auditor General’s office of wrongful dismissal in 2020, allegedly without due process.
In his defense, Uwalaka denied all accusations, describing the claims against him as “baseless and untrue.” He stated that his only role was introducing an applicant to Tolo Tariga, a senior staff member who, according to him, was the main actor in issuing fraudulent appointment letters. Instead of being disciplined, Uwalaka alleged, Tariga was promoted and transferred to Delta State to shield him from law enforcement scrutiny.
Uwalaka further narrated his ordeal, claiming:
•He lost ₦3,050,000 while trying to settle Mr. Tariga’s clients under police pressure.
•Two additional individuals collected ₦500,000 and ₦450,000 from him under similar circumstances.
•He was dismissed without undergoing standard disciplinary processes such as queries, suspension, or interdiction.
Insisting on his innocence, Uwalaka argued that he lacked the authority to issue employment letters and accused Tariga of masterminding the entire job racketeering scheme. He also criticized the unlawful stoppage of his salary, allegedly carried out by a junior staff member without authorisation.
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The Office of the Auditor General, however, refuted Uwalaka’s claims, asserting that he was notorious for fraudulent activities while serving as an auditor posted to the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC). The respondent presented multiple written complaints and testimonies from staff and individuals alleging that Uwalaka extorted money from them, promising job placements, and subsequently issued fake appointment letters.
In a related development, the senate rejected the petition filed by Yakubu Gaku Mbaka against the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) regarding the alleged unlawful termination of his appointment in 2018. Represented by U.C. Okparaugo Esq. Mbaka had sought reinstatement, claiming impropriety in the termination process.
Presenting the findings, Sen. Imasuen explained that after thoroughly reviewing the oral and written submissions of the petitioner, Yakubu Gaku Mbaka, and the respondent, Chiedu Ugbo, Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, the committee reached certain observations.
The committee found that Mbaka initially served as domestic security staff to a former Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC. Although he was later granted a full-time appointment, he continued in the same role at the former MD/CEO’s residence. Following the exit of the former MD/CEO, Mbaka, alongside four others, was recalled to the NDPHC Corporate Headquarters after a year and six months. Subsequently, the company outsourced its security operations to an external vendor, which led to the disengagement of Mbaka and his colleagues due to the unavailability of roles that matched their qualifications or skill sets.
Furthermore, the committee noted that Mbaka received all his entitlements, including a one-month salary in lieu of notice, and signed the necessary documents acknowledging his exit from the company. Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the termination process was in line with established procedures and contractual obligations, thereby rejecting the request for his reinstatement.
The committee thereafter urged the senate to turn down the reinstatement of Mbaka because he had collected his severance allowance from the company and duly signed the necessary documents for his exit.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Edo South district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Imasuen throughout the 10th senate here.
