Bauchi Govt Sacks Driver After Tragic Death Of Two Journalists Sparks Outrage

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the State Civil Service Commission through its Information Officer, Saleh Umar. The commission stated that the dismissal was due to misconduct linked to negligence while performing an assigned duty.

Abdullahi, who served as a clerical assistant in the Ministry of Higher Education, was reportedly assigned an additional responsibility outside his official role to convey a team of journalists.

The journalists were on an assignment covering activities of the North East Development Commission during a project commissioning in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

While on the trip, the vehicle he was driving was involved in an accident that left over 10 journalists affected. Two people lost their lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The commission said the conduct violated the Bauchi State Public Service Rules governing duty, responsibility, and professional conduct.

It further explained that the dismissal followed recommendations from the Ministry of Higher Education and approval by the State Executive Council after a review of the incident.

The commission also directed the ministry’s management to explain why a clerical officer was assigned driving duties meant for a trained and designated driver.