In reaction to a an ultimatum issued by the Senate that the Presidency should sack embattled Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, the latter has stated that this can only be done by following existing civil service rule.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, who said his principal was not backing Maina against the Senate, pointed out that the lawmakers can summon anyone they so wish.

"As a man that believes in the rule of law, the President believes, Abati emphasized, "that laid down procedure should be followed in addressing issues," adding that the process of stripping any erring civil servant of his job resides in the Head of Service of the Federation, who is the executor of the regulations guiding the hiring and firing of anyone found wanting.