GOV. UBA SANI REINSTATES 37 KADUNA WORKERS DISMISSED UNDER EL-RUFAI’S ADMINISTRATION. (PHOTO).

 Gov. Uba Sani Reinstates 37 Kaduna Workers Dismissed Under El-Rufai’s Administration

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved the reinstatement of 37 Unified Local Government Service workers who were wrongfully disengaged during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The Chairman of the Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, Prof. Aminu Suleiman, announced the development while presenting reinstatement letters to the affected workers in Kaduna.

According to Prof. Suleiman, the decision followed the recommendations of a committee set up by the previous administration after the workers lodged complaints over their dismissal. The committee found that the workers had been unjustly disengaged and recommended their reinstatement, but the recommendation was never implemented.

He explained that the affected workers later petitioned the current administration, prompting the Local Government Service Board to review the case and forward its findings through the appropriate government channels. Governor Sani subsequently approved their immediate reinstatement after confirming the dismissals were unjust.

Prof. Suleiman noted that some of the affected workers had passed away, while others had retired before the approval was granted. He said those still in active service would return to their respective local government councils immediately, while retired workers would receive their retirement benefits. He added that entitlements due to deceased workers would be paid to their next of kin.

He praised Governor Sani for his commitment to fairness and justice, describing the approval as a demonstration of the administration's responsiveness to genuine grievances. He also commended the Head of Service, the Secretary to the State Government, the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, and other stakeholders for supporting the process.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kaduna State, Ayuba Suleiman, described the reinstatement as a clear indication of the governor's worker-friendly approach. He said the labour movement had consistently assured workers of the administration's commitment to fairness and justice.

Ayuba also expressed concern over the declining workforce in the Unified Local Government Service, noting that staff strength had dropped from over 16,000 in 2014 to just above 3,000. He added that about 800 more workers are expected to retire before the end of the year, urging the government to address manpower shortages and sustain reforms in the local government system.

Similarly, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Abdullahi Dan Fulani, welcomed the reinstatement and called for the prompt payment of all outstanding entitlements.

Speaking on behalf of the reinstated workers, Michal Anga expressed appreciation to Governor Sani for approving their return after years of pursuing the matter. She said the workers chose to follow due process instead of taking legal action, adding that their patience and perseverance had ultimately resulted in justice.