|By Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, called for the immediate reinstatement of Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the payment of all his outstanding entitlements. This resolution followed the findings of a Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which investigated Ukpe’s wrongful termination from the NRC in March 2023.
Recall that the matter came to the Senate’s attention following a petition by Senator Ekong Sampson of Akwa Ibom South on July 20, 2023. Ukpe, a Senior Civil Engineer and District Engineer responsible for the North Central District of the NRC, was dismissed after being accused of negligence in connection with a railway track vandalization incident in September 2022.
However, after conducting thorough investigations, the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, concluded that Ukpe was neither involved in the criminal act nor negligent in his duties. The committee found that Ukpe had reported the incident promptly to his superiors and to the police, who investigated the case and successfully arrested and convicted the perpetrators.
Despite these efforts, Ukpe faced unjust termination based on unfounded allegations. The committee determined that the NRC’s action was not supported by any evidence of misconduct and was, in fact, a result of administrative lapses and undue prejudice. “The query issued to Engr. Ukpe and his subsequent dismissal were based on negligence of duty, specifically his failure to report immediately upon learning of the theft.
However, the investigations have shown no involvement on his part in the vandalism,” Senator Imasuen said during the committee’s report. The Senate also noted that the investigation conducted by the police and the NRC’s internal committee cleared Ukpe of any wrongdoing, yet the NRC proceeded with his dismissal.
The committee recommended that the Senate direct the NRC to reinstate Ukpe to his previous position and settle all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements due to him. In light of these findings, the Senate resolved to ensure compliance with its directive by instructing the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance to oversee the NRC’s adherence to the resolution.
Senator Imasuen expressed hope that the decision would serve as a reminder to all public institutions to uphold fairness, transparency, and due process in handling personnel matters.
