The Court of Appeal sitting in Jos has struck out the case instituted by the Plateau State Government against the sacked staff of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi. This decision brings relief to the affected workers who have been in a protracted legal battle over their disengagement from the institution. The court's ruling marks a significant turn in the prolonged dispute between the state government and the workers.
The controversy stems from the suspension and subsequent termination of appointments of staff employed by Plateau State Government agencies, including Plateau State Polytechnic, between October 2022 and May 29, 2023. The affected workers claimed that the action followed a change in the leadership of the Government House. The National Industrial Court, Jos Judicial Division, had earlier declared the purported suspensions and terminations of Mr Wulkwap Danjuma and 178 other polytechnic staff unlawful.
The National Industrial Court held that the Governor of Plateau State had no authority to suspend, terminate, nullify or otherwise interfere with their appointments. Justice Ibrahim Galadima stated that the workers' employment had a statutory character and could only be determined in accordance with the laws and instruments governing Plateau State Polytechnic. The court found that the government failed to show compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for the suspensions and terminations.
The Industrial Court ordered the reinstatement of the affected workers to their respective positions, in line with their letters of appointment. It also awarded them ₦5 million in general damages, jointly and severally, for the pain and suffering caused by the action, as well as ₦100,000 as cost of the suit. The Court of Appeal's decision to strike out the state government's case means the government's challenge failed at that stage.
The affected staff are now expected to press for full implementation of the earlier judgment, including their return to duty and settlement of outstanding salaries and allowances. The ruling reinforces the principle that public-sector employment cannot be terminated arbitrarily and that employers must follow due process, even where a new administration seeks to review appointments made by its predecessor.
The dispute has lingered for years, with both parties pursuing several legal steps. It has also contributed to broader labour tensions in Plateau State, where workers in state-owned tertiary institutions have staged strikes over unresolved welfare and employment-related demands. Labour stakeholders are expected to demand immediate compliance with the court's decisions.
The affected polytechnic workers say they will continue to seek justice, reinstatement and payment of all entitlements owed to them. The judgment represents a major victory and renewed hope for the workers who have been out of work for months.
Key points
- The Court of Appeal's decision brings relief to the sacked staff of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.
- The National Industrial Court had earlier declared the suspensions and terminations of the staff unlawful.
- The affected workers are expected to press for full implementation of the earlier judgment.
