I’m The Only Person In Nigeria Who Was Retired Twice – Festus Marinho
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Festus Marinho, the first Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says he is the only Nigerian worker who was retired twice from service.
He made this claim on Monday during a valedictory service in honour of the outgoing GMD of the corporation, Maikanti Baru in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“On the day of my dismissal, the Federal Government sent me a letter of retirement. The following year, the Minister also sent me another letter of retirement. So apparently, I’m the only one in Nigeria who was retired twice,” he said.
According to him, it takes 17 years for someone to go on statutory retirement from the state-owned oil corporation.
The former NNPC boss recalled that when he was invited for the programme by Baru, he was pondering on what address to deliver.
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He, however, revealed that he was inspired by a speech made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in which the speaker said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I concur with what has been said.”
Mr. Marinho’s remark drew admiration and applause from the cheering crowd and journalist who witnessed the handing over ceremony at NNPC’s amphitheater.
Marinho also praised Baru for his achievement recorded so far while at the helm of affairs, saying “You did a good job.”
Marinho served as NNPC’s Managing Director from 1977 to 1979 and also served a second term from 1984 to 1985.
He spent several years in the corporation and he is credited with crafting the institutional framework and international standard practices being used in the corporation till date.