FERMA Union Denounces ‘Fabricated’ Corruption Allegations, Calls for Media Retraction
In a firm rebuttal, the joint union representing staff at Nigeria’s Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has categorically dismissed recent corruption and abuse of power allegations against the agency’s 6th Governing Board and its Chairman, Musa Babayo. The union leaders have labeled the claims as false and malicious, accusing unnamed individuals of forging union documents to sow discord.
Union Leaders Issue Joint Statement of Denial
In a statement released on Sunday, the chairmen of the two unions within FERMA—Paul Onimisi of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and Idris Abdulmumin of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE)—stated unequivocally that the damaging publications “did not originate from the joint union and do not reflect the union’s views or position.”
Onimisi emphasized the union’s commitment to democratic principles and due process, calling the allegations “offensive and belittling.” He clarified that the union neither issued the statements in question nor endorsed their content.
Allegations of Forgery and Media Lapses
The union’s statement points to a potential case of document forgery. Onimisi suggested the publication came from “unscrupulous persons” seeking personal gain by exploiting the union’s name. He further criticized media outlets for publishing the press releases without proper verification, alleging that the signatures and names attached were “scanned and lifted by unknown malicious individuals.”
This accusation highlights ongoing challenges in Nigerian media regarding source verification and the rapid spread of potentially fabricated information.
Formal Retraction Requested, Conditional Support Pledged
The joint union has formally distanced itself from the publication, describing it as “mischievous and malicious” and demanding its retraction. Simultaneously, the statement outlines the union’s official stance toward the agency’s leadership.
“The Union pledges its allegiance to the 6th Governing Board Chairman, the Management of FERMA, and its staff, provided all actions remain within the ambit of the Public Service Rule (PSR) and the FERMA Act,” the statement concluded. This conditional support underscores a commitment to lawful governance over blind loyalty, positioning the union as a watchdog operating within established frameworks.
Analysis: A Broader Context of Accountability and Misinformation
This incident transcends a simple denial. It occurs within a sensitive context where public agencies in Nigeria are under increased scrutiny for transparency. The union’s forceful response serves multiple purposes: it protects its own institutional credibility, attempts to shield its members from reputational damage associated with a scandal, and seeks to maintain a functional working relationship with management—but on its own terms.
The allegation of forged documents, if investigated, could point to deeper political or internal rivalries within or around the agency. It also serves as a cautionary tale for media organizations on the imperative of rigorous fact-checking, especially when dealing with potentially destabilizing claims against public institutions.
The union’s careful phrasing—supporting leadership provided they operate within the rules—reinforces a narrative of principled oversight rather than unconditional defense, a nuance significant for public perception.
This report is based on information from a primary source: The Nation article: “Union dismisses corruption claim against FERMA board”.