13/06/2025
PROTEST TODAY BY THE DISENGAGED WORKERS OF PLATEAU STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GINDIRI AND PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC BARKIN-LADI.
12TH JUNE, 2025.
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. Upon assumption of office, the Governor directed the termination of our appointments despite our lawful recruitment into various tertiary institutions across the state.
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. In line with this ruling, we returned to our places of work with renewed hope, only to be met with further disappointment.
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. This development has not only undermined the rule of law and due process but has also deepened our agony and uncertainty. It raises critical questions about the sincerity of government in upholding justice and protecting the rights of its citizens, especially its youth.
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. Many of us are proud graduates of reputable institutions such as the University of Jos, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, the same university the Governor himself attended. It is therefore inappropriate and offensive to label us as “Dolaye” or any other derogatory term.
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. This action has stripped us of our dignity and taken away our only means of livelihood.
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. Plateau belongs to all of us, and no citizen should be made to feel unwanted or less important. We ask for nothing more than the right to earn a living and to serve our state with the skills and qualifications we have legitimately acquired.
In conclusion, 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. We ask to be reinstated in accordance with the court ruling. We plead not just for ourselves, but for the soul of justice and equity in Plateau State.
Signed:
All Disengaged Workers of COE Gindiri and PlaPoly.
