A teacher in Kebbi State, Abduljalal Usman, has been suspended for three months without salary after rejecting a Ramadan palliative offered by the state government and criticizing the government’s governance.
Usman declined “one mudu of maize and one mudu of millet” offered as Ramadan palliatives, describing it as inadequate and a symbol of “weaponisation of poverty”.
The suspension letter accused Usman of negligence of duty, but critics argue that the action is an abuse of power and an attempt to silence teachers who speak out against poor governance.
Governor Nasir Idris, a former teacher himself, has faced backlash for the decision, with some calling for greater empathy towards educators.
The incident has sparked debate about freedom of expression, teacher welfare, and the government’s priorities.
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