From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos

The National Industrial Court, Jos Division has  declared the termination of the employment of some civil servants in ministries and parastatals in Plateau State under leadership Governor Caleb Mutfwang as unlawful, illegal, unjust and unfair.

The Court further Ordered the Plateau State Government to allow the employees resume work in line with their letters of employment and the directive of the Executive Governor of Plateau State for them to resume work.

In  suit No: NICN/Jos/53/2024, between Oyas Henry Ankes and 30 others (Claimants) and Plateau State Government, Civil Service Commission, Attorney-General of Plateau State as 1st, 2nd, 3rd Defendants, the Claimants had approached the court by way Originating Summons, and in their Application, raised four questions for determination and sought some reliefs.

In its declaratory judgment, the court held that the prevention of the Claimants from resuming work by the Defendants, contrary to the directive of the Executive Governor of Plateau State is wrongful, unlawful, illegal, and a violation of the Terms governing the Claimants’ employments with the Defendants.

The court also declared that the Claimants are entitled to resume work in line with the directive of the Governor of Plateau State and by virtue of the substance of their respective employments.

The court further awarded the sum of five million Naira as general damages and one million Naira being costs of the suit against the Defendants and in favour of the Claimants.

The judgment is to be obeyed within 30 days.The court also declared that the Claimants are entitled to resume work in line with the directive of the Governor of Plateau State and by virtue of the substance of their respective employments.

Recall that following the completion of the assignment of the implementation committee on the white paper report on the employment conducted at the twilight of the Lalong administration, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in addition to the waiver earlier granted some few MDAs, further gave approval for immediate resumption of work by the newly employed workers whose employment was put on hold.

The letter, dated 21st February, 2024 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State,  Arch Samuel N. Jatau urged the Head of Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to ensure that His Excellency’s gracious approval was strictly adhered to.