THE Senate has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to reinstate Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe, a former District Engineer, whose appointment was terminated in March 2023.
The Senate also ordered that he be paid all outstanding entitlements, stating that there was no evidence linking him to the vandalization of railway tracks under his jurisdiction.
The decision followed the consideration of a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
The report stemmed from a petition filed by Engr. Ukpe, alleging wrongful termination of his appointment by the NRC.
In his petition, Engr. Ukpe outlined the events leading to his dismissal. He noted that he served as the Senior Civil Engineer overseeing the North Central District, covering Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa states.
He claimed that on September 19, 2022, he was informed about the vandalization of railway tracks at Kamuru Station in Zonkwa, Kaduna State.
He promptly reported the incident verbally and via telegram 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.
However rather than being commended, Engr. Ukpe stated that the District Manager accused him of underreporting the incident, issued him a query, and subsequently referred the matter to an investigative committee.
He argued that the committee’s findings were biased and marred by irregularities, 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, citing negligence of duty. According to the NRC, Engr. Ukpe delayed reporting the incident to his superiors and demonstrated complacency in handling the matter.
The corporation argued that his actions violated the Railway General Rules of 1964, warranting his dismissal.
