The Employment Tribunal has ruled that the dismissal of former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drug Agency (NDA) Imad Solih will not be heard.

The case states tha after the change of government on 17 November 2023, Imad was informed of the decision to dismiss him at the board meeting held on July 3 after the formation of the NDA board, without fulfilling all the necessary procedures.

In the case, Imad sought a declaration that he was dismissed from the post of NDA CEO without any immediate notice, in violation of his employment agreement signed with the agency and in violation of the Narcotics Act.

He also asked the tribunal to declare him as the legal CEO of the NDA and order the NDA to make all arrangements for his employment.

The tribunal ruled that the employment agreement stated that the NDA board had the full discretion to remove Imad from the post of CEO without giving any notice.

It also said that the NDA board has full power and authority to appoint and dismiss the CEO, as evidenced by the Narcotics Act, the National Drug Agency Board Rules and the employment agreement signed between the two parties.

Furthermore, the position of CEO of NDA is exempt under the Employment Act and the Employment Tribunal is responsible for deciding on the removal of the petitioner from the post of CEO of NDA of the jurisdiction It cannot be insisted that it is included.

The Tribunal therefore ruled that this was not a matter within its jurisdiction.