The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, presided over by Honorable Justice S.I. Galadima, today granted an adjournment in the suits filed by sacked workers of Plateau State tertiary institutions against Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. The hearing, originally scheduled for today, June 7, 2024 and was deferred to July 15, 2024.
The request for adjournment, submitted by the Ministry of Justice, cited the burial of the late Honorable Justice G.H. Shah, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, as the reason. Acting Assistant Director of Civil Procedure, Justice P. Dashak Esq, explained that the Ministry’s staff were expected to attend the funeral.
Barr. Nantok Dashuwar, representing the sacked workers, voiced strong opposition to the adjournment. He argued that the application was a tactic to delay the proceedings and expressed frustration that it hindered a timely resolution of the case. “The Ministry’s absence has disrupted today’s proceedings, and while the adjournment was granted, I hope the judge will recognize and address these delaying tactics during the next hearing,” Dashuwar stated.
Dashuwar, an experienced lawyer known for his determination in labor and employment disputes, has been an effective advocate for the sacked workers. He highlighted that today’s delay has already affected their pursuit of justice but remains confident that the court will deliver a prompt judgment after the resumed hearing.
He criticized the Ministry’s claim of a mandatory absence as insufficient grounds to halt the case, arguing that the legal system should prioritize the prompt administration of justice.
The plaintiffs, sacked workers from various institutions, are challenging their dismissals under the new administration. They anticipate a decisive ruling in July to address their grievances.
