The guy and the girl are working.The couple is sitting at the cafe.Documents on the table
The National Industrial Court sitting in Benin has ruled that Communication Energy wrongfully forced Engineer Godwin to resign, describing the action as “oppressive” and a breach of labour standards.
Presiding judge, Justice Aduola Adewemimo, held that the resignation amounted to constructive dismissal and ordered the firm to pay Godwin N3 million in damages and one month’s salary in lieu of notice within 60 days.
The case began after Godwin told the court he signed a resignation letter under duress, without fair hearing. He alleged that the company trained unskilled workers to replace senior staff as part of cost-cutting measures.
Justice Adewemimo noted that the company failed to prove the resignation was voluntary and that its inability to produce the resignation letter undermined its defence.
During the trial, Communication Energy denied the allegations, insisting that Godwin resigned willingly and that there was no attempt to replace senior staff with cheaper labour.
However, Godwin’s counsel, R.O. Okpiavbe Esq, maintained that his client was coerced, intimidated and disgraced out of the firm without being issued a query. He urged the court to grant reliefs.
Delivering judgment, Justice Adewemimo ruled that the evidence supported Godwin’s claims of constructive dismissal.
“The dignity of human life is sacrosanct and cannot be eroded,” she said, adding that forced resignation violates Nigerian labour laws and international best practices.
