My appointment, wrongly terminated, Sokoto ex-Auditor General tells court

The National Industrial Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned till April 27, the case instituted by the former Auditor General of Sokoto state, challenging his retirement by the state government. The plaintiff, Mr Sambo Nawawi, alleged that his appointment was wrongly terminated as he did not attain the retirement age. Represented by his counsel, Dr. […]

The National Industrial Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned till April 27, the case instituted by the former Auditor General of Sokoto state, challenging his retirement by the state government.

The plaintiff, Mr Sambo Nawawi, alleged that his appointment was wrongly terminated as he did not attain the retirement age.

Represented by his counsel, Dr. Nasiru Aliyu, he prayed the court to reinstate him as he was retired at the age of 52.

"The general civil service rules is not applicable to Auditor General Position as there is existing law that govern their services," he argued.

However, counsel to the Sokoto State Government, Mr Suleiman Usman (SAN), said the laid down procedures were adhered before his appointment was terminated.

"The law provides that civil servant who reaches 60 years of age or 35 years in service should retire," he said.

Usman, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, also argued that the civil service rules are general and binding on all civil servants.

He further argued that the mentioned law by the plaintiff was obsolete and have been replaced by new ones.

After hearing the Counsels’ submissions and arguments, the presiding Judge, Justice Kiyashot Damlak, adjourned the case April 27, this year for continuation of hearing.