Disbanded members of the Rivers State Transport Management Agency, TIMARIV, failed to get their jobs back as the National Industrial Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed an application they filed challenging the disbandment of their outfit by Governor Nyesom Wike.
Wike disbanded the outfit in June 2015 due to an alleged public outcry over their high-handedness and extortion of members of the public.
Justice Kola Olalere, who delivered the ruling in a suit filed by personnel TIMARIV challenging their disengagement said evidence showed that the TIMARIV workers were engaged on a contract basis, adding that their engagement stipulated in their employment letters as contract staff and not civil servants.
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He also ruled that personnel of the outfit are not entitled to be paid allowances, compensation, gratuity and retirement emoluments following the disbandment of their outfit by the state government.
The judge further held that the matter was defective because it was brought through originating summons instead of complaints.
Speaking to newsmen after the court sitting, Patrick Enebeli, the State Counsel, said the Judgment has proved that the disengaged TIMARIV workers have no case.
Amachree Mac Jaja who represented TIMARIV staff said they will consult their lawyers to decide on the next line of action.
