The National Industrial Court sitting in Benin City has declared as null and void, the retirement directive issued by the Edo State government handed over to one Mrs. Caroline Edo-Osagie, during the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration in 2013.
In his judgment, presiding Judge, Hon. Justice A.A. Adewemimo, held that the Claimant’s sudden removal from office as a Permanent Secretary was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and of no effect.
The court also held that the Claimant was removed from office for lack of due process and without giving her right to fair hearing.
The court consequently set aside the purported retirement letter dated 30th April 2013 issued to Mrs. Edo-Osagie by the Edo State government while the suit was pending before the court, an action the court declared as unconstitutional, illegal and a breach of her condition of service.
Hon. Justice Adewemimo who held that the Claimant was appointed a Permanent Secretary in Edo State effective 30th March 2008 and was published in the Edo State Gazette No.14V of 23 March 2008 as Legal Notice No. 22, noted with dismay the manner she was removed from office without any lawful justification.
Hon. Justice Adewemimo ordered the Edo State government to pay Mrs. Edo-Osagie her salaries as permanent secretary with effect from 17th August 2012 to 14th August 2013.
The Edo State government was also ordered by the court to pay the Claimant her furniture allowance as well her pension per month with effect from 31st August 2013 till the date of the judgment.
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