By Mohammed Yangida, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor Umar Tanko Al-makura has terminated the appointment of a Grade Level 10 Officer for allegedly criticizing the State Government on Facebook during the recent strike action called by the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC that lasted for three weeks.
Ruquayyat Tijjani Usman, a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice was handed her termination of appointment letter on Friday, dated 25th February 2016, with Ref. No. NCSC/S/DIS/015/VOL.1/77.
Ruquayyat, who has been a Grade level 10 step 1 since March 2nd 2012 as a senior state counsel, has however sent a Letter of Complaint to the chairman joint public service negotiations council, regarding her summary disengagement from the state civil service.
The letter obtained by Prompt News reads in part:
“I write to register my complaint to the congress with regards to my involvement in the last strike action in the state, which subsequently led to the termination of my appointment ”.
“This was due to my Facebook post of 17th February, 2016 which I said “I can see political thugs on the street protesting and not some professionals…are we going down this way?? I weep for my state”
“And a post I made on 27th January, 2016 which I talked about Lassa fever in the state, Full content of my post can be found on my Facebook page with the name, Rukey Tee”.
“Here are some portions of the 27th January “what proactive measure has the Nasarawa state government taken since the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state”.
The letter which was copied to Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Judiciary staff union of Nigeria has been receiving condemnation from general public.
According to the victim Ruquayyat, “the termination of my appointment by Governor Al-makura, is an act of intimidation as everyone has a right to express his or her view”.
She continued “I was called by the secretary to state Accountant General that my attention is needed at the Government House which I went the permanent secretary government house took me to the office of the Governor Umaru Al-Makura on Monday around 10 :30 to 11 a:m and I was threatened and intimidated by the Governor himself for the post I made on my Facebook page” she said .
The state chairman of the Nigerian Labour congress (NLC) Nasarawa state chapter Abdullahi Adeka said the state government’s action was a breach of contract between Labour and government that no a single civil servant will be victimized after the strike action, and he has since directed the judiciary staff union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to investigate the matter with a view to furnish the (NLC) with the situation of things.
The Termination of Appointment Letter sent to Ruquayyat and obtained by our correspondent reads:
“I am hereby directed to terminate your appointment with effect from the date of this letter on the ground that your services is no longer required in cognizance with paragraph A of your appointment letter”
“In addition you will be paid one month in lieu of notice as also contained in paragraph A of your appointment letter”.
“You are by this letter requested to hand over all government’s properties in your possessions (if any) to you superior officer”.
“The state government appreciates your contribution and wishes you well in your future endeavours “.
Reacting, the Special Assistant to Governor Umaru Al-Makura on media and publicity, Tukur Ahmed said his Boss was not aware of anything like that.
All efforts to meet the state Head of Civil Service, Mr. Joseph Ancho for his comments over the matter proved abortive.
