Aggrieved employees at the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) in Nigeria staged a significant protest on Wednesday, expressing their discontent and frustration over alleged mismanagement and abuse of power by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Gloria Akobundu.
The protesting staff demanded Akobundu’s removal, accusing her of transforming the government agency into a personal enterprise and mismanaging its operations since her appointment in September 2016. During the demonstration at the NEPAD headquarters, staff were seen blocking entrances while holding placards and chanting for better working conditions.
Slogans included demands for better management and calls for Akobundu’s resignation, citing instances of nepotism, such as the alleged placement of her brother in a non-civil service position at the organization’s South Africa office.
Staff member Aliu Abubakar claimed that Akobundu has obstructed employees from performing their official duties, instead hiring external personnel. He urged President Bola Tinubu to launch a thorough investigation into the organization’s administration for the past eight years.
“This protest highlights years of maladministration and financial misappropriation under Akobundu’s leadership. We have voiced our concerns, but they have gone unheeded,” Abubakar stated. “We seek a critical investigation and the immediate removal of the CEO.”
Another protester emphasized the necessity to inform the government about the adverse conditions within the organization and urged the president to intervene.
In a response to the allegations, Akobundu denied all claims during a phone interview, asserting that she had always prioritized the welfare of her team. Currently recuperating from illness, she described the protest as a family dispute that would be resolved and mentioned that her management had addressed employee welfare concerns.
She expressed appreciation for the government’s involvement in addressing the issues raised by the staff and confirmed her commitment to enhancing logistics and support within the organization.
The AUDA-NEPAD, established by the African Union, aims to improve operational efficiency and promote regional integration in line with Agenda 2063 initiatives. The ongoing protest and management concerns could impact its objectives and effectiveness moving forward.
