Group Raises the Alarm over Alleged Rights Violations at AMCOW

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Youth groups under the umbrella of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders(CONYL) has raised the alarm over the happenings at the African Ministers Council on Water(AMCOW), saying that the organisation is bereft   of governance and transparency.

The group expressed its “deep concern over the alarming developments” in a statement signed by the quartet of President- General, Comrades Goodluck Ibe,  Publicity Secretary, Adeyemo Adewale,  Secretary, Junaid Abubakar,  and Public Relations Officer, Iniobong Sampson.

“Recent reports indicate a series of unlawful dismissals, preferential hiring, and unethical practices that have not only threatened the integrity of AMCOW but have also jeopardised the livelihoods and rights of dedicated staff members,” CONYL said.

It questioned the managerial capacity of the current Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, noting that he sacked three Nigerian employees of the organisation within his first nine months of his tenure “without due process.”

According to the group, the Jennifer Mbama, Kichime Bawa, and Prof. Moshood Tijani  were dismissed in unjustifiable manner thereby casting a damaging shadow on the  overall operation and reputation of AMCOW.

“Furthermore, some of these staff members are owed several entitlements, including unpaid salaries highlighting a troubling disregard for employee welfare as enshrined in the International Labour Laws and AMCOW’s Staff Regulations and Rules.

Considering the current economic situations in the country and the sufferings undergone by these affected international civil servants, the Coalition demands the immediate payment of all these benefits,” CONYL said.

It called on the Executive Secretary to retrace his steps and reverse his toxic decisions “as it is imperative that AMCOW upholds the principles of fairness and justice to ensure a healthy work environment.”

The group also expressed concern over “the Executive Secretary’s undiplomatic behaviour towards his host country,” saying that he has failed to reciprocate Nigeria’s hospitality and love.

It noted that despite  the fact that Dr Mbaziira is a Ugandan by nationality, he was well accommodated by the Nigerian Government with befitting housing and other official entitlements.

Other “troubling” practices alleged by CONYL against the AMCOW boss include: “the favouritism bestowed on his friends whom he had used to replace those whose contracts he wrongfully terminated.”

The group lamented that “significant functions entrusted to AMCOW by the continent, such as the African Groundwater Programme and the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines, have been halted” thereby undermining the organisation’s mandate of advancing water security in Africa.

It stated that “the Knowledge Management efforts of AMCOW and the most recent Africa’s Voice on Water magazine, which amplifies the continents water initiatives have also stopped following the dismissal of those in charge.”

CONYL decried “the unethical conduct of Dr. Rashid’s allies, noting that “some are reported to have misused travel opportunities – something he would never tolerate with anyone else”. It noted that some senior management staff “use the office ATM card for personal expenditures.”

The Executive Secretary himself violated AMCOW’s policy against employing multiple senior staff from the same country while the host country has no one in the senior cadre. Such practices undermine the organisation’s credibility and effectiveness.

“Given the dire situation, including the loss of financial partnerships, with no project in the pipeline and key professional staff eliminated, we urge AMCOW to immediately advertise the position of the Executive Secretary. 

“With Dr. Mbaziira’s contract set to expire on November 8, 2025, it is crucial that a qualified Nigerian candidate be considered to ensure that this great organisation is restored back to its strength and vitality unto a future that ensures representation and diversity within its leadership,” CONYL said.