The All Progressive Congress, APC, has condemned the suspension of a lecturer, Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze, by the Abia State University, ABSU.
Nwaeze was suspended on Thursday by the management of Abia State University over some posts he made on social media about the institution.
The lecturer claimed that commercial Keke riders earn more than professors in the university.
Reacting to the suspension, Abia State chapter of the APC described the action of Abia State University as an assault on the fundamental right of a citizen who spoke out against injustice, poor governance and the deterioration of workers’ welfare.
The statement of the APC, which was signed by Uche Aguoru, the Publicity Secretary, accused the Abia State Government of being intolerant of constructive criticism.
“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”.
“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?”
The APC called for the immediate recall of Professor Nwaeze from the suspension.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abia State chapter, has expressed solidarity with Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze, alleging that the lecturer’s suspension arose from his advocacy for the rights and entitlements of members of the university community.
Abia PDP’s message of solidarity, which was signed by state chairman, Abraham Amah, read, “We wish to assure you that you are not alone, remain steadfast, calm and confident in the face of the development,” PDP assured the embattled lecturer
Keke riders’ income: APC, PDP condemn suspension of Abia State University professor