Following a brouhaha at the headquarters of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Tola Odeyemi defied the odds to formally take over as Postmaster General (PMG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports NIPOST workers staged a protest and shut out Odeyemi, denying her entry to her office at the headquarters of the service in Abuja on Monday.
However, following the exit of the former NIPOST boss, Sunday Adepoju from the premises, Odeyemi entered into the premises and met with staff of the agency as part of activities for her resumption at the top role.
Why we rejected Tola Odeyemi – NIPOST workers
Meanwhile, NIPOST workers have given reasons why they rejected Adeyemi, narrating how Adepoju was able to clear debts owed by NIPOST to ensure the smooth operation of the service.
One of the workers, Mr Buba Nehemiah, who is the President of the National Union of Postal and Telecommunication Employees, and who spoke during the protest against Odeyemi, said the new appointment was against their interest.
“Under Adeyemi Adepoju, NIPOST was able to clear the debt it owed and that is the reason why we are having a smooth process in our service.
“We have seen a situation to crumble this organization for the past three years, and today we are saying no to it. Today we are requesting that the postmaster general should be allowed to continue the good work he has started.
“Sunday Adepoju should be allowed to continue the good work he has started. We are not against Mr President neither are we against the minister but our desire is that the good work of Adepoju should be allowed to continue.
“Removing him at this point would terminate these processes and take NIPOST back to square one which we are against. We have over 13,000 employees here, once it is crumbled, it will add to the issues of insecurity in the country.
“Allow us to work with the person that has understood this organization. Allow us to join hands with him to take this organization to the level that it would generate revenue for the nation. This is our cry and demand.
“The only condition that can make us go back to our office and work is for the appointment that was made last week to be reversed,” Buba said.
TNG reports after Odeyemi walked into the office around 1:00 pm, following the brouhaha, she refused to sit on the chair she was offered and opted to sit elsewhere. She is the first female to be appointed NIPOST CEO.