Suspended president of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Akanni McDowall is allowed to contest a third term, the High Court ruled this morning.
At around 11:30 a.m., Justice Cecil McCarthy ordered McDowall’s reinstatement as a member only, giving him the green light to participate in the NUPW’s election.
Additionally, McCarthy ruled that the NUPW could not hold elections within 21 days, giving the embattled president enough time to submit his candidacy and prepare for the vote. The NUPW must also extend the nomination process for McDowall by one week.
Reasoning that the elections were close at hand, the Judge opted not to rule on McDowall’s suspension as president, but noted that the issue of damages would be addressed at a later hearing.
McDowall was suspended pending investigations into the charge that from June 2 to 17, he encouraged and promoted a resolution which sought to install him as secretary general of the organisation for four years, contrary to Rule 10(a)1), Rule 10(a)(iv) and Rule 12 (a)(i). He is also accused of entering the NUPW secretariat around 3:15 p.m. on June 16 and taking a photograph of a cheque dated June 17, 2021, payable to Larry Smith QC for legal services. (CLM)
