APC Condemns The Suspension Of Prof. Nwaeze, Demands Immediate Reinstatement

APC Condemns The Suspension Of Prof. Nwaeze, Demands Immediate Reinstatement.

The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze by the Abia State University (ABSU), describing the action as as disturbing and an act of intimidation, victimisation and an assault on the fundamental right of a citizen to speak out against injustice, poor governance and the deterioration of workers’ welfare under the Alex Otti administration.

The suspension of a university professor simply because he raised concerns about the welfare of lecturers and made comments deemed “uncomplimentary” to the Governor exposes the alarming level of intolerance of the Abia State Government towards dissent, constructive criticism and legitimate demands for accountability.

Professor Nwaeze is not a stranger to speaking his mind. His criticism of poor governance did not begin with the administration of Governor Alex Otti. He has consistently used his social media platforms to comment on issues of public interest and draw attention to what he considers failures in governance.

It is, therefore, disturbing that his recent intervention, which focused substantially on the deplorable welfare conditions of academics in Abia State, has resulted in his suspension.

Why should Prof. Nwaeze be punished for speaking out about the plight of workers and disclosing that a professor at Abia State University reportedly takes home less than ₦400,000 monthly, while professors in some other states earn approximately ₦1.4 million?

Why will the Alex Otti administration continue to pay lecturers under the 2009 ASUU/FG salary structure despite the existence and implementation of newer salary arrangements in other universities, while at the same time subjecting them to the 2024 tax regime?

It is unconscionable to impose current tax burden on workers while continuing to pay them according to an obsolete salary structure.

Even more shocking is the disclosure that some members of staff are reportedly owed salaries for as long as 44 months.

If these allegations are untrue, the appropriate response from a responsible government should be to provide the facts and demonstrate otherwise. If they are true, then the appropriate response should be an immediate investigation, corrective action and payment of every legitimate outstanding entitlement not the suspension of the professor who brought these disturbing issues into public consciousness.

Since the inception of the Alex Otti administration, Abia workers have endured severe economic hardship, insecurity over their employment and victimisation whenever they raise legitimate concerns about their welfare.

The suspension of Prof. Nwaeze is, therefore, not only punitive but appears designed to intimidate and cow civil servants and other public employees into silence, particularly those who may wish to speak out against the deteriorating welfare conditions of workers in the state.

Under previous administrations, Abians enjoyed the freedom to speak out openly without fear of intimidation or victimisation. Indeed, Mr. Alex Otti, as a private citizen, freely took full-page advertisements in national newspapers to criticise previous governments and express his views on issues of public interest.

Abia workers are faced with the harsh realities of rising living costs and diminishing purchasing power, the state government have refused to show empathy, responsibility and commitment to improving workers’ welfare. Instead, the administration appears more interested in silencing those who dare to speak about the problems confronting them.

The APC therefore calls on the Abia State Government to immediately:

Recall Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze without further delay and discontinue the unjust and punitive suspension.

Pay all outstanding salaries, allowances, promotion arrears and other legitimate entitlements owed to lecturers and other workers in the state’s higher institutions.

Immediately address the continued use of obsolete salary structures and ensure that workers are paid in accordance with applicable and duly approved remuneration structures.

Stop the victimisation, intimidation and harassment of civil servants who speak out on issues concerning workers’ welfare, governance and the public interest.

We will continue to demand accountability, transparency and respect for the dignity of workers and Abians in general.

Abia State belongs to all of us, not to any individual, political party or administration. Those who occupy public office must understand that power is temporary, but the consequences of how they treat the people will remain.

The Abia APC stands firmly with Abia workers, lecturers and every citizen subjected to punishment or intimidation for demanding justice, dignity, transparency and good governance.

Signed:

Uche Aguoru

Publicity Secretary

APC, Abia State