Eight federal civil servants allegedly dismissed from service in 2022 have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in their prolonged battle for reinstatement, despite resolutions from both chambers of the National Assembly directing their recall. The affected workers, previously employed by the Federal Ministries of Environment and Works, also called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, civil society organisations, labour unions, and human rights activists to pressure the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) into implementing a Senate resolution ordering their reinstatement and deployment back to their respective ministries.
Workers Describe Hardship
Speaking on behalf of the affected officers at a press briefing in Abuja, Joy Eseoghene stated that the workers have endured severe hardship since their dismissal, with many struggling to meet basic needs. According to her, some have been forced to sell personal belongings, including mobile phones and other valuables, to survive.
“We have gone through the right channels to seek justice. The National Assembly has investigated the matter, and both the 9th and the current 10th National Assemblies have ruled in our favour. Yet, despite several letters and correspondence from superior authorities, the commission has blatantly refused to obey the rulings directing our reinstatement. We do not know where else to go anymore. If the commission, which is a product of an Act of Parliament, cannot respect the National Assembly, then it appears to be bigger than Nigeria,” she said.
Appeal to President Tinubu
Eseoghene described their dismissal as illegal and urged President Tinubu to intervene in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. “This illegal termination has caused us so much pain and hardship. We are calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter and give us renewed hope. We also call on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to defend the authority of the Senate and ensure that no one undermines the institution under his watch,” she said.
According to her, the Senate, in its Votes and Proceedings of December 10, 2025, resolved that the eight affected officers should be reinstated and returned to their respective ministries. The Senate also directed the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to ensure compliance with the resolution.
List of Affected Officers
The affected officers are Joy Eseoghene, Dangla Elisha Bitrus, Attahiru Mohammed Enagi, Ani Patrick Ikechukwu, Ukueku Oghenetega, Opara Sylvia Adaoma, Opara Anthony Chukwuemeka, and Oloriegbe Charles Inamudu.
Senate Resolution and Investigation
Eseoghene explained that the Senate resolution followed a petition submitted by Throneroom Attorneys on behalf of the dismissed workers, which was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions for investigation. The committee summoned key government officials, including the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Ministers of Environment and Works, and a former Director of Recruitment and Appointment in the commission, Mr. Ibrahim El-Yakubu.
According to her, investigations conducted by the committee established that the officers were duly employed by the commission and had valid appointment letters signed by authorised officials. Their names were published in the official gazette, and they participated in the compulsory Confirmation and Promotion Examination conducted by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
Eseoghene noted that following the adoption of the committee’s report by the Senate, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, formally conveyed the resolution to the FCSC in January 2026. She recalled that the matter had earlier been investigated by the House of Representatives during the 9th National Assembly, which also ruled in favour of the dismissed officers. She urged the authorities to ensure the implementation of the resolutions to enable the affected workers to return to service and provide for their families.
