By Bolaji O. Akinyemi
The plight of IK Joy-Uzor is a stark reminder of how power can be wielded unjustly within the corridors of governance. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), an institution meant to uphold fairness and accountability, has instead become a stage for impunity. In a content-driven world, the NCDMB can afford to be many things—but unjust isn’t one of them.
They say injustice to one is injustice to all. This truth forms the foundation of my philosophy: the microcosm of justice. A just society isn’t measured by how fairly all are treated, but by ensuring that no one is treated unfairly. IK Joy-Uzor has been left behind in injustice, but will he now be found by justice? Or will he have to keep fighting for what is rightfully his?
*The Long Road to Nowhere*
IK Joy-Uzor joined the NCDMB in 2011, serving diligently until 2015 when he applied for and was granted study leave. Trouble began upon his return in February 2017. Instead of resuming his duties, he found himself entangled in a web of hostility and bureaucratic sabotage. Despite multiple attempts to engage the management, including the then-Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote, he was stonewalled at every turn.
Wabote’s actions—or lack thereof—spoke volumes. After summoning Joy-Uzor for a meeting in March 2017, he failed to honor the agreement they reached. On May 3, 2017, an arrangement was brokered between HR and Joy-Uzor through Wabote’s proxy, Abayomi Bamidele. Yet, within 24 hours, HR reneged, and Bamidele did nothing to uphold the agreement. By the end of May, it became clear—Joy-Uzor’s fate had already been sealed. The objective? His exit from the system, regardless of due process.
*Defying the National Assembly with Impunity*
In a just society, one would expect that intervention from a higher authority would correct such an injustice. But not in this case. The matter was escalated to the Committee on Public Petitions of the 8th National Assembly. After reviewing the case, the committee ruled in Joy-Uzor’s favor, instructing that he be reinstated, paid all arrears, and promoted in line with his cohort. The Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed this decision to both the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Simbi Wabote.
Wabote, however, chose to ignore it. In a blatant act of defiance, he flouted the directive, making it clear that he had no regard for constituted authority—even when he was under its purview. The SGF, despite being aware, failed to enforce compliance. This was not just an injustice against Joy-Uzor; it was an open challenge to the rule of law.
*A New Era, Same Indifference*
With the appointment of a new Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, there was hope for resolution. But that hope has since faded.
In May 2024, after repeated calls and messages, Ogbe finally invited Joy-Uzor for a meeting—a meeting that never held. His personal assistant later informed him that Ogbe was waiting to hear from a particular director before granting an audience. Subsequent messages led only to vague assurances. Eventually, Ogbe claimed he had instructed HR to “look into the matter.” But looking into a matter is not the same as resolving it.
The reality is clear: Ogbe, like his predecessor, possesses the authority to unilaterally settle this injustice but has chosen not to act. Joy-Uzor officially resigned via email on September 16, 2024, yet has received no acknowledgment or response. If this is how the NCDMB treats its own, what hope is there for others?
*The Prayer for Justice*
IK Joy-Uzor has been forced to fight a battle that should never have existed in the first place. After nearly a decade of being denied what is rightfully his, his demands remain straightforward and just:
- Payment of all arrears of salaries and entitlements from February 1, 2017, to September 16, 2024 (the date of his resignation).
- Payment of his gratuity at a rank equal to his cohort.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
Will the Authorities Act?
The NCDMB was created to monitor and enforce fairness, yet it has failed its own. The former Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote, openly disregarded an order from the National Assembly. The current Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, has shown no urgency in correcting the wrongs of the past. This medium is being used to notify the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, of the inaction of his predecessor.
If the leadership of this country allows injustice to persist under their watch, what message does it send to ordinary Nigerians? Will those in power continue to ignore this case, or will they finally act and ensure that justice is served?
The choice is theirs. But the world is watching.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the C.E.O, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:bolajiakinyemi66@gmail.com
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