20241211 065154

Senate Orders Reinstatement of NRC Engineer Dismissed Over Track Vandalism

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to reinstate Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe, a former District Engineer, whose appointment was terminated in March 2023 over allegations of negligence.

Additionally, the Senate instructed the NRC to pay Ukpe all outstanding entitlements, stating that no evidence linked him to the vandalization of railway tracks in his jurisdiction.

The directive followed the presentation of a report by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.

The report was based on a petition submitted by Ukpe, who alleged wrongful termination.

In his petition, Ukpe explained that as a Senior Civil Engineer overseeing the North Central Districtโ€”covering Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa statesโ€”he had reported a vandalism incident at Kamuru Station, Kaduna State, on September 19, 2022.

Ukpe stated that he promptly informed the District Manager and lodged a formal complaint with the police, actions that led to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits.

Despite this, he was accused of underreporting the incident, queried, and dismissed after an investigative committeeโ€™s findings.

The NRC defended the dismissal, arguing that Ukpe delayed reporting the incident and was complacent in handling it, which they said violated the Railway General Rules of 1964.

According to NRC Managing Director Engr. (Dr.) F.E. Okhiria, these failures justified his termination.

The Senate Committee, however, found no evidence of negligence or complicity on Ukpeโ€™s part.

They criticized the investigative committeeโ€™s procedures and concluded that Ukpe was denied a fair opportunity to defend himself.

The Senateโ€™s resolution mandates Ukpeโ€™s reinstatement and the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements.

It also underscores the need for fair labor practices within federal institutions.

This decision is expected to set a precedent for handling similar disputes and ensure accountability in employee-management relations within the NRC.