It is understood that the former officials filed a lawsuit to demand payment of their severance payments, which they said were authorized in their letters of appointment but were not paid when their employment terminated.
The garnishee proceedings were started by their attorney, Barrister Ocha Ulegede, following the National Industrial Court in Makurdi’s summary ruling in favor of the claimants on December 13, 2024.
The legal enforcement process apparently began when the state government refused to disburse the monies in spite of the ruling.
One of the recipients, Tahav Agerzua, applauded the decision and called it “overdue justice” in a statement made soon after the court hearing.
“This is a good example of justice.” We made multiple appeals to the appropriate authorities. Many beneficiaries were apparently already settled when the Ministry of Finance granted payments near the end of the Ortom administration. He stated, “Those of us left out just wanted justice.”
Agerzua went on to say that only after all internal attempts had failed did the organization turn to legal action.
As of the time of publication, the payment had not been made even though Fidelity Bank had received the garnishee order. In accordance with the judge’s order, court authorities stated they are keeping an eye on the situation.
