A group of disengaged staff from the Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri, and Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, have raised alarm over what they described as renewed injustice by the Plateau State Government following the issuance of fresh termination letters—despite a court ruling mandating their reinstatement.
Speaking under the leadership of Mr. Henry Hoomen, the affected workers said they were shocked to receive new disengagement letters upon resuming duty, despite securing a favourable judgment from the National Industrial Court affirming the legality of their employment and ordering their immediate reinstatement.
In a press statement read today 12th June 2025 being Democracy Day, the group expressed disappointment with the Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for what they described as “deliberate disobedience of court orders.”
“Following our unjust dismissal, we sought redress through legal means. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, in its landmark judgment, ruled in our favour and ordered our immediate reinstatement,” the statement read. “However, upon resumption, we were shockingly issued fresh disengagement letters, allegedly on the directive of the governing councils of our institutions—councils appointed by the Governor himself.”
The workers also took issue with what they described as “derogatory remarks” allegedly made by the governor, who they claimed referred to graduates as “dumb”—a term they condemned as offensive and unbecoming of a public leader.
“We are deeply disturbed by the Governor’s alleged remarks. Such statements are not only demeaning but also demoralizing to professionals who have served the state diligently,” they said.
They warned that the continued refusal to comply with court rulings sets a dangerous precedent for governance and the rule of law in Plateau State. The workers also expressed fears of deepening marginalization within the state, claiming that their treatment reflects a growing divide among citizens.
“Our disengagement seems to be part of a disturbing pattern that makes some of us feel like second-class citizens in our own land,” they said.
The group called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and press for justice.
“We urge all leaders of conscience—civil society, religious, and traditional institutions—to speak out against this injustice. We call on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to respect the court’s decision and reinstate us. Let the rule of law prevail.”
The disengaged workers reiterated that their only demand is to return to their legitimate duties and contribute meaningfully to the state through their acquired skills and qualifications.