Disengaged workers from the Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri, and Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, have raised alarm over what they described as a fresh wave of injustice meted on them by the state government.
The affected workers, who had earlier secured a favourable court judgment ordering their reinstatement, said they were shocked to receive fresh disengagement letters upon resumption.
“We, the affected workers of Plateau State College of Education Gindiri and Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi, write with heavy hearts to express our deep concern and disappointment over the recent actions taken against us by the Plateau State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang.”
According to the group, the National Industrial Court had affirmed the legality of their employment and ordered their immediate return to duty, a judgment they say the government has deliberately ignored.
“Following the unjust dismissal, we sought redress through legal means, and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, in its landmark judgment, ruled in our favour. The court unequivocally ordered our immediate reinstatement, affirming the illegality of our disengagement and the validity of our employment.”
Led by Mr. Henry Hoomen, the disengaged workers accused the institutions’ governing councils—appointed by the governor—of undermining the court ruling by issuing new termination letters.
“Shockingly, upon resumption, we were issued fresh disengagement letters allegedly on the directive of the various Governing Councils of our institutions; councils that are appointees of the Governor himself.”
The group further condemned alleged derogatory remarks made by the governor, accusing him of referring to graduates as “dumb,” a term they consider highly offensive.
“We are particularly disturbed by the recent unguarded and derogatory remarks allegedly made by the Governor, referring to graduates as ‘dumb.’ Such statements are demeaning and highly unbecoming of a leader.”
They expressed fears that their treatment reflects a deeper divide in Plateau State, where some citizens are beginning to feel unwanted and excluded from contributing to the state’s growth.
“Our disengagement appears to follow a worrying pattern that suggests a divide among the people of Plateau State. We are beginning to feel like second-class citizens in our own land, rejected, marginalized, and denied the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state.”
The workers are calling on civil society groups, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and well-meaning citizens to rise in defense of justice and equity.
“We call on all leaders of goodwill, civil society organizations, religious and traditional institutions, and all citizens of conscience to rise and speak out against this injustice.”
In their concluding appeal, they urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to respect the court’s decision and allow them to resume their duties.
“We strongly urge His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to reconsider and rescind this unfortunate decision. Let the rule of law prevail. Let justice be done.”
The group emphasized that their only demand is the right to work and serve the state through the skills and education they have acquired lawfully.
They warned that continued disobedience to court rulings may set a dangerous precedent for governance and justice in Plateau State.
