According to them, the retrenchment created a heavier workload, which Bolorunde allegedly forced the remaining staff to shoulder the work, without adequate support.
Some staff of the Ikeja Electric Power Distribution Company on Wednesday staged a protest calling for the removal of their Business Manager, Mr. Abayo Bolorunde, whom they accused of intimidating employees and presiding over the dismissal of 68 workers despite having retired.
The aggrieved workers who spoke to SaharaReporters during the demonstration, alleged that Bolorunde had continued to threaten staff with punitive actions, demanding 100 percent performance targets, even as 38 employees under his direct supervision were sacked.
According to them, the retrenchment created a heavier workload, which Bolorunde allegedly forced the remaining staff to shoulder the work, without adequate support.
One of the protesters said the company’s management had turned a blind eye to Bolorunde’s alleged misconduct, instead extending his contract by an additional year despite his official retirement.
“It is unfair that someone who has already retired is still kept in this position while using his power to oppress workers,” the staff member lamented.
The workers also expressed frustration that their efforts to meet the unrealistic targets were often met with further threats, rather than recognition or improved working conditions.
They accused Bolorunde of creating a hostile atmosphere where staff feared victimisation for speaking out.
In response to the situation, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and its members have thrown their weight behind the protest.
The union insisted that Bolorunde must be removed from his position immediately, stressing that management’s decision to extend his contract undermines fairness and workers’ rights.
NUEE further demanded that the company reverse the mass dismissals and open dialogue with employees to resolve the grievances.
“Sixty-eight workers were sacked late last month, immediately after the management paid consequential salary adjustments. Yet, the Business Manager, Mr. Abayo Bolorunde, continued threatening staff to deliver 100% performance, even though 38 workers in his unit had already been dismissed.
“He has been forcing the remaining staff to cover the vacuum created by his actions and those of the management.
“The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the workers are demanding his removal, insisting that he has already retired and questioning why the management granted him a one-year extension. They argue that he should be relieved of his duties and that the management should reverse its decision,” the aggrieved staffs said.
Some of the protesters said the management of Ikeja Electric is misinterpreting and misapplying the provisions of the Conditions of Service.
According to them, the management recently sacked more than 68 employees on allegations of non-performance.
The protesters added that, according to their agreement with the management, staff perceived to be underperforming should be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan, which the company has failed to implement.
They said, “The management of Ikeja Electric is misinterpreting and misapplying the provisions of the Conditions of Service. They recently sacked more than 80 employees on allegations of non-performance.
“According to our agreement with them, staff perceived to be underperforming should be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan, which they have practically failed to implement.
“Bullying, harassment, intimidation, and constant threats of dismissal to workers. The work environment is operated like a slave camp, with employees treated as though they are slaves.
“No promotion and no salary increment for years. Workers are stagnated, demoralised, and highly demotivated.
“Non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and several other collectively bargained agreements,” they added.
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