The Nigerian Senate has mandated the reinstatement of Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe, a former District Engineer at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), whose appointment was terminated in March 2023.The Senate also ordered the payment of all his outstanding entitlements.
The decision came after the Senate reviewed a petition filed by Engr. Ukpe, which was presented by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
The petition alleged wrongful termination following an incident of railway tracks vandalization in September 2022 at Kamuru Station in Zonkwa, Kaduna State.
Engr. Ukpe, who was responsible for the North Central District covering Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa states, claimed he had promptly reported the vandalization to the District Manager and lodged a formal complaint with the police. His actions led to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits, two of whom were sentenced to two years in prison.
Despite these efforts, Ukpe stated that instead of receiving commendation, he was accused of underreporting the incident. "I was issued a query and the matter was referred to an investigative committee," Ukpe explained in his petition.
He argued that the committee's findings were biased and marred by irregularities, ultimately leading to his dismissal without adequate opportunity to defend himself.
The NRC, represented by its Managing Director, Engr. (Dr.) F.E. Okhiria, justified the termination by citing negligence of duty. According to the corporation, Ukpe delayed reporting the incident to his superiors and demonstrated complacency, actions they claimed violated the Railway General Rules of 1964.
However, the Senate found no evidence linking Ukpe to any wrongdoing and directed the NRC to reinstate him. "The Senate rejects the sack of Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe and orders his immediate reinstatement along with the payment of all entitlements," declared the Senate in its resolution.
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