By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

Gov. Uba Sani has approved the reinstatement of 37 Unified Local Government Service workers wrongfully disengaged during the immediate past administration.

Chairman, Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, Prof. Aminu Suleiman, announced this during the presentation of reinstatement letters to affected workers in Kaduna.

Suleiman said the reinstatement followed recommendations of a committee constituted by the previous administration after complaints by the affected workers.

He said the committee established the workers were unjustly disengaged and recommended their reinstatement, but the recommendation was never implemented.

According to him, the workers petitioned the present administration, prompting the board to review their case and forward its recommendations through appropriate government channels.

He said Gov. Sani approved their immediate reinstatement after confirming they were wrongly disengaged.

Suleiman said some of the 37 affected workers had died, while others had retired before the approval was granted.

He said serving officers would return to their respective local government councils with immediate effect.

The chairman added that retirement benefits for retired workers would be processed, while entitlements due deceased workers would be paid to their families.

He described the governor as compassionate and committed to justice, saying the approval reflected responsiveness to genuine grievances.

Suleiman commended the Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, Ministry for Local Government Affairs and other stakeholders for supporting the process.

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kaduna State, Ayuba Suleiman, described the reinstatement as evidence of the governor’s labour-friendly disposition.

He said the labour movement had consistently assured workers that the administration remained committed to fairness and justice.

According to him, the Unified Local Government Service workforce declined from over 16,000 workers in 2014 to slightly above 3,000 currently.

He expressed concern that about 800 additional workers were expected to retire before the end of the year.

The labour leader urged government to address manpower shortages and sustain reforms to strengthen local government administration.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Kaduna, Abdullahi Dan Fulani, welcomed the reinstatement and urged prompt payment of outstanding entitlements.

Speaking on behalf of the reinstated workers, Mrs Michal Anga thanked the governor for approving their return after years of pursuing the matter.

Anga said the affected workers rejected calls to seek legal action, choosing instead to follow due process.

She said their perseverance eventually yielded positive results, describing the approval as a victory for justice and patience.

The workers also appreciated the Local Government Service Board and other officials for facilitating the reinstatement process. (NAN)

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