How Governor Lalong Is Threatening My Life, Also Threatening To Sack Me Over Litigation-Dr. Raymond Juryit

Yakubu Busari

Governor Lalong of Plateau State has been accused of an alleged threat to life of Dr. Raymond Namshi Juryit as well threatening with letter of sack.

According to Dr. Raymond Namshi Juryit, he said the Plateau State Government under Governor Simon Lalong through the State ministry of Health has threatened to sack Dr Raymond Namshi Juryit with a letter of query which has been served him.

Findings by this medium reveals that Dr. Raymond was threatened that if he fails to withdraw a suit challenging his illegal termination of appointment as the  Executive Secretary of Primary Health care Board he risks his appointment with the Plateau State Government.

In a letter dated 12th August, 2016 to Dr. Juryit by the State government through the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Juryit is to response in writing within three days.

According to the statement, Dr. Raymond R. Namshi Juryit who is a civil servant; with the Ministry of Health received the threat from the permanent secretary, Mr Abel H. Gwatau with copies to the Head of Service and Chairman Civil Service Commission.

Dr. Raymond R.Namshi Juryit has alleged threat to his life after obtaining a court order to stop Governor Simon Lalong for terminating his appointment in five years tenure.

The High Court of Justice of Plateau State of Nigeria Holden at Bukuru on Tuesday 2nd August, 2016, Hon Justice I.I Kunda has given an order of interim injunction restraining the governor from appointing any other person as the Executive secretary of the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board.

The governor had forwarded the name of Dr Miapkwap Senkoom Livinus to the PLHA for confirmation of appointment at the time the appointment of Dr Juryit was subsisting and his tenure guaranteed by the law which is five years.

Meanwhile the matter came up before the vacation judge in Bukuru today.

Announcing his appearance before the Honorable court, the Director Citizens right and law reform ministry of justice .Barr. Nankwat Shaseet said in his reply dated 16 of August, 2016 filed on the same day predicted on two grounds challenging the jurisdiction of the High court for entertaining the matter.

He stressed that the issue presented has to do with the employment and it is the industrial court that has jurisdiction.

Shaseet explained further that he has responded on preliminary objections which have been done according to point of law that was raised by the plaintiff counsel.

He complained that the issue raised was under section 23 of industrial court act that any civil servants should, seek redress on any issue before proceeding to court (public service rule chapter 9 sections 2. Rule 090201(ll ) ) .

Shaseet noted that the action is in contravention with the state civil service rule.

Counsel to Dr Raymond Juryit, Barr. Francis Okafor said the position of the defendants is a misconception and not filed within five days according to the law citing Supreme Court judgment.

He urged the honorable court to remain fearless and do justice by giving life to the law regarding the matter of jurisdiction whether the lower court has the right to entertain the issue.

Okafor pointed out that there is no point to strike out the petition by the High court or there is no place that figure out that such matter should be taken to industrial court.

He used two judgments of agencies involving state vs Fasaki case at the Supreme Court and Elishade Vs Akande, the high court case of Fashade cannot be transfer  due to focusing argument on the 2011 judgment which he said the High court has the jurisdiction to listen to the matter.

Ruling on the two applications, Justice, Hon Justice I.I Kunda adjourned the case to 30th ,August,2016 for continuation of hearing.