The National Industrial Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa on Friday voided the sack of eight Permanent Secretaries by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The governor had in 2015 sacked eight permanent secretaries, the state head of service and the accountant-general, among others.
The affected persons are Samuel Woka, Kadilo Brown, Augustine Orlu-Orlu, Muka Nwikosi, Minabelema Michael-West, Ngozi Abu, Kingsley Hart and Justina Jumbo.
Justice Basha Alkali ruled that the sack was unconstitutional and declared it null and void as it did not follow procedures in the public service.
The court ordered that all salaries and allowances accrued to the permanent secretaries since 2015 should be paid to them.
Counsel to the claimants, Odum Eyiba, described the judgment as ‘well-considered’.
“The judgment is a product of industry, researched and well-considered. We instituted this action back in 2015,” Mr Eyiba said.
Lawyer to Rivers State Government, Henry Amadi, said he would study the judgment.
“That is the judgment of the court and we have to go through it and know the way forward. The way forward is not what I will disclose here, thank you,” he said.
