The Red Chamber has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to restore Engr. Aniekan Paddy Ukpe, a former District Engineer, whose appointment was ended in March 2023.
The Red Chamber likewise requested that he be paid all outstanding entitlements, expressing that there was no proof connecting him to the vandalization of railway tracks under his jurisdiction.
The decision followed the consideration of a report introduced by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
The report originated from a request filed by Engr. Ukpe, alleging illegitimate termination of his appointment by the NRC.
In his appeal, Engr. Ukpe outlined the events prompting to his dismissal. He noted that he served as the Senior Civil Engineer supervising 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.
Furthermore, he instantly detailed the incident verbally and via telegram to the District Manager and lodged a formal complaint with the police. His actions prompted the arrest and prosecution of the culprits, two of whom were condemned and sentenced to two years in jail.
Anyway, as opposed to being complimented, Engr. Ukpe expressed that the District Manager blamed him of underreporting the occurrence, issued him a query, and consequently eluded the matter to an investigative committee.
He contended that the committee’s discoveries were one-sided and marred by inconsistencies, leading to his dismissal without an opportunity to defend himself.
The NRC, represented by its Managing Director, Engr. (Dr.) F.E. Okhiria, justified the termination, referring to negligence of duty. As indicated by the NRC, Engr. Ukpe deferred reporting the incident to his bosses and demonstrated smugness in dealing with the matter.
The corporation contended that his activities violated the Railway General Rules of 1964, justifying his dismissal.
