The petition noted that the union’s constitution provides that any teacher ceases to be a member or officer of the union upon retirement or death.
The Concerned Teacher(s), Lagos State, has petitioned the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the continued retention of the union’s National Treasurer, Comrade Adesegun Ganiu Raheem, despite his retirement from the Lagos State Teaching Service.
The petition, addressed to the NUT head office in Abuja, stated that the retirement would be effective from July 16, 2025.
The petition noted that the union’s constitution provides that any teacher ceases to be a member or officer of the union upon retirement or death.
The petition then cited specific constitutional provisions, saying the rules are clear and must be followed.
“In a clear language, ‘Article 4 i,ii,iii,C (b) Article 4(III) and C, Article 29(c) of the Union constitution is quite explicit, unambiguous and this should be adhered to in the case under reference,” it said.
It also warned that the union should not be seen to break its own laws, stating that any action contrary to the constitution has consequences.
“The petition further argued that the union should not be seen to break its own laws, warning that anything contrary to the constitution has ‘both moral and legal implications either now or subsequently,’” it said.
The petition called for the replacement of the retired national treasurer, insisting this should follow constitutional rules.
“The National President and other relevant organs of the NUT should replace the retired national treasurer in line with constitutional provisions,” it said.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Wing be allowed to nominate and fill the vacancy caused by the “retirement of Comrade Adesegun Ganiu Raheem as the rule provides.”
The petition acknowledged the contribution of the retired officer to the union, saying, “We appreciate the contribution of the retired officer, Comrade Adesegun Ganiu Raheem to the union while his services lasted.”
It urged the NUT leadership to act in line with the union constitution to prevent escalation.
Lawyer Writes Registrar Over Treasurer’s Continued Stay In Office
Separately, Orobode & Adegoke & Co. wrote to the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment & Productivity, on behalf of several retired NUT members.
The firm said its clients had resolved to pursue the removal of the treasurer, arguing that he had exceeded his constitutional tenure.
The letter noted that Raheem attained the mandatory retirement age on July 16, 2025 and ought to have stepped down from his role as treasurer.
It also said the role cannot be held by a retiree whose tenure has not brought progress and has affected members.
The lawyers called for the Registrar to investigate and audit union accounts, citing the Trade Union Act.
“Your office hereby needs to invoke your power of inquisition, and investigation as postulated in Section 41 and 42 of the Trade Union Act before things get out of hand,” they said.
They also rejected a three-man committee formed by the union’s trustees, describing it as outside the powers of the Registrar.
“Flowing from above is our Client's outright rejection of the 3-man committee empaneled by the Registered Trustee for being ultra vires as repugnant and overreaching of the powers of the Registrar (your office) as prescribed in Section 41 and 42,” they said.
The letter listed several demands, including suspension of the treasurer, forensic audit, and investigation into union properties.
The demands include the replacement of Comrade Ganiu with an acting treasurer pending the resolution of the issues raised, particularly given that he has passed the mandatory years of active service.
They also call for a thorough review of the current status of the union’s legacy secretariat at No. 15 Rosamond Street, Surulere, Lagos, including an explanation of why it is now known as Olusegun Saheed House and why its management appears to be shrouded in secrecy.
Similarly, the group seeks clarification on the union’s property at 29 Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos, which now houses an imposing structure advertised as Custodian, as well as the undeveloped land in Victoria Island bearing a signpost labeled Sabo Lugbe, from which the union’s identity has reportedly been removed.
Finally, they are demanding the release of the findings and conclusions reached on these issues.
According to them, their clients would go to the National Industrial Court if their demands were not met.