Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has condemned the arrest and arraignment of Dr. Kurfi of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, describing it as intimidation of teachers by the Katsina State Government.
The Zonal Chairman of the Union, Professor Abubakar Sabo Yabo, who briefed journalists in Sokoto mentioned Dr. Kurfi was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly on the instruction of the Katsina State Government over his feedback on the safety state of affairs within the state.
Yabo mentioned the event stays a difficulty of grave concern to the educational group and most of the people, because it raises questions in regards to the misplacement of authorities priorities.
According to him, it’s evident that the current antics of the federal government showcase an inclination to instil concern in an already traumatised nation, quite than present options to urgent challenges.
He famous that whereas ASUU accepts the appliance of the rule of legislation in each circumstance, the place it turns into a instrument for intimidation, it turns into a critical matter of concern to the Union.
The Zonal Chairman burdened that deploying devices of state safety to harass a tutorial for expressing views on insecurity quantities to an assault on freedom of expression and tutorial freedom.
He subsequently referred to as on the Katsina State Government to focus sincerely on addressing the financial, social and safety challenges affecting the state, quite than resorting to pointless intimidation of teachers.
Yabo additional referred to as on related safety businesses and the judiciary to be truthful and neutral in treating Dr. Kurfi, insisting that due course of should be strictly noticed.
He added: “Let it be on record that Nigerians are watching as the legal processes take place. Justice to one is justice to all, while injustice to one is injustice to all.”
The Union warned that it might not stand aloof whereas its members are harassed underneath the guise of legislation enforcement, stressing that an damage to 1 tutorial is an damage to all.
Efforts to get the response of the Katsina State Government as at press time proved abortive.
