MTN appeals N4.8bn cost to ex-Nigerian employee

….Says court action detrimental firm’s interest
Following the award of N4.8 billion by National Industrial Court for alleged wrongful termination of the appointment of an ex-staff, Paul Odunewu, MTN, a telecommunications giant, said it has approached a higher court to set aside the judgment by National Industrial Court against it.

At the Ondo Division of the court, Justice Oyepoju Oyewunmi, recently asked the company to pay Paul Odunewu, a former network group operations’ manager of the company, N4.8bn in a suit against the MTN, alleging that his appointment was wrongfully terminated; and that his entitlements were not paid.

In a statement issued by General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the company, Omasan Ogisi, and made available to Daily Times, MTN said it is committed to treating all its employees fairly.

“We can confirm that the National Industrial Court took a position which we consider detrimental to our interests in a suit filed by a former employee. The court’s position has been reviewed by our internal and external counsel,” the statement read.

“Following that review, we have approached a higher court requesting that the decision of the industrial court be set aside.

We believe that there are critical elements of our case which were not fully considered by the lower court before taking its position.

“We are confident that the outcome at the superior court will be different and that justice will not only be done but will be seen to be done in this case.

“MTN is committed to a policy of openness, integrity, diligence and professionalism in the conduct of business – with customers, shareholders and each other.

Our code of conduct stipulates high labour standards regarding all our employees. In addition, we have processes in place to ensure that we act in accordance with international standards and local laws.

“We, therefore, maintain that we treat all our employees fairly, as captured in the details of our employment contracts, signed and legally binding.

This situation was no different. The most basic commitment we make – to our customers, our shareholders, and each other – is to conduct ourselves in an ethical, honest and respectful manner.”

It will be recalled that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Akure Division, ordered MTN Nigeria Communications Limited

and MTN International, Mauritius, to pay its former Network Group Operations Manager, Mr. Paul Odunewu, $13,419,728.54, £10,000 and N2,540,000 (totalling N4,825,036,735.9), following wrongful termination of employment.

Justice Oyejoju Oyewunmi made the order following Odunewu’s suit challenging his 2006 termination and the deprivation of his entitlements, including share options valued at $13,144,512.00.

MTN Group Limited, South Africa; MTN Nigeria and MTN International, Mauritius were first, second and third defendants in the suit which lasted 10 years from the Lagos State High Court to the NICN.