By Law Ibitoye
De-recognized teachers employed by Former governor Ayodele Fayoye’s administration has appealed to Governor Oyebanji to absorb them into the state civil service, having won the case instituted against former Governor Fayemi who unjustly sacked them.
The group in a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday pleaded with Governor Oyebanji to sincerely honour the court judgement and placed them where they naturally belong as civil servants of Ekiti State.Reiterating to contribute their quota to the growth of Ekiti State.
In a statement jointly signed by Ajayi Peter, Aribatise Ademola and read by Bayo Omoyeni, said 2000 workers were employed in September, 2018 by former Governor Ayodele Fayose into Ekiti state Teaching Service in a credible process as laid down by Civil Service law of Ekiti State, worked for 9 months before former Governor Fayemi de-recognized them.
The Statement reads in part; “There were series of appeals to the then Governor to reconsider his decision but proved abortive, to worsen the situation, we were never paid a dime for the services rendered from the employment date till the period of de -recognision till date”
“Having exhausted all means for recognition, we approached National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Akure, ONDO State and on 8 February, 2024 the judgement delivered in the suit No: NICN/AK/30/2022., Was in our favour”
The court, presided by Justice K.D Damulak ruled that the workers, having been employed by the Ekiti State Government and posted to different workplaces are entitled to be paid by government.
He ordered the Ekiti State Government to pay the salary of the 2018 TESCOM and Civil service staff from the date of their appointments till date of the judgement and thereafter.
The group pleaded in the statement that Governor Oyebanji being a father to all should use his good office to right the wrongs and put smiles on their faces. while reiterating their readiness to work, the group said “In the spirit of readiness and agility we solicit prompt implementation of the court order from our father, Governor Oyebanji, an action that will improve the labour force of the state and further make Ekiti land of honour that is known for”
While recounting their ugly experiences during the struggle, the group said “we were exposed to lots of hardship, ridicule, intimidation and financial constraint while some of our members died in the struggle, may their souls rest in peace”