The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has raised a grave concern over the targeted victimisation and institutional neglect of Mrs Nwokocha Esther Ucheya by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
CEHRAWS said that while it holds the responsible officials accountable for the injustice, “we must clearly distinguish these actions from the broader vision of governance under Governor Alex Chioma Otti.”
The Civil Society Organisation said that it is both ironic and concerning that, at a time when Governor Otti has demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare through prompt salary payments and reform-orientated leadership, certain actors within ASUBEB appear determined to undermine these efforts by inflicting hardship on innocent workers.
CEHRAWS described Mr Nwokocha as a dedicated public servant and said that she is being victimised by certain officials within the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
Chuka Okoye, Executive Director of CEHRAWS, said that despite an unblemished service record, Mrs Nwokocha was wrongly listed for retirement in July 2025.
“This error was formally acknowledged by the Aba South LGEA as early as September 10, 2025, with confirmation that her date of birth (July 27, 1966) and date of appointment (November 1, 2004) do not qualify her for retirement. Yet, in a troubling display of administrative indifference, senior officials at ASUBEB have deliberately failed to correct this error,” he said.
Okoye said that rather than restoring her status, Mrs Nwokocha has been subjected to a sustained pattern of economic deprivation.
“Since September 2025, her salaries and entitlements have been withheld, even as she continues to serve following her redeployment to Ugwunagbo LGEA.
“This is not a mere administrative oversight; it is a calculated act of victimisation, sustained by silence and inaction, aimed at wearing down a vulnerable public servant.”
Okoye said that CEHRAWS finds the conduct of the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB and the Head of Service deeply troubling and inconsistent with the principles guiding the public service.
“Our organisation submitted formal enquiries and petitions dated March 13, 2026, and April 8, 2026, respectively, yet no response has been received.
“This continued silence not only emboldens injustice but erodes public confidence in administrative accountability,” he said.
Okoye said that the actions of ASUBEB constitute clear violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Labour Act. Section 17(3)(a) of the Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to secure adequate means of livelihood, while Section 15 of the Labour Act mandates the timely payment of wages.
“The continued withholding of Mrs Nwokocha Esther Ucheya’s salary for work duly performed is not only unlawful but also a breach of the principles of natural justice,” Okoye said.
Okoye said that in the light of the foregoing, CEHRAWS makes a passionate and respectful appeal to Governor Alex Otti to urgently intervene in this matter.
“We urge the immediate correction of Mrs Nwokocha Esther Ucheya’s employment status, the full restoration of her salary, and the payment of all outstanding arrears.
“Such intervention will not only bring relief to the affected worker but will reaffirm the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of its workforce.”
