The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, has been strongly warned to stop interfering in the affairs of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
The Kogi West Bloc of the union issued the warning on Monday in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ajayi Peter Oluyomi, and Secretary, Alegbemi Michael Kayode, following an emergency executive meeting.
The union accused the Deputy Governor of pursuing an “evil plot” with some dissenting members to destabilize the union and remove the current state chairman, Comrade Yakubu Dauda Imam.
The statement expressed shock that Salifu, who previously served as NUT state chairman, is now opposing the tenure extension of the current leadership despite being part of the decision-making process that approved it.
The union’s statement contained several key resolutions: “We stand firmly by the resolutions of the February 18th Western Bloc Meeting on February 18, 2025, convened at the NUT Teachers House in Kabba, and unanimously decided to support the tenure elongation policy of eight (8) years for both state and branch executives, aligning with national best practice.”
“Allow Comrade Yakubu Dauda Imam (State chairman) to complete his second term, as representative of the Eastern Bloc, ensure that after his tenure, the leadership of the union rotates to the Western Bloc and remains in the Bloc for two consecutive terms of eight years.”
“Reinforce key welfare programs like the Health Insurance Scheme and the Machine Loan Initiative; demand fair consideration of the Western Bloc in national representations and strategic committee appointments.”
The union strongly advised Salifu to distance himself from the alleged scheme: “We strongly advise His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, to disassociate himself from this evil plot of trying to change the state leadership.”
The statement reminded Salifu of his past role in ratifying the union’s tenure and zoning policies: “Recall that the delegates’ conference that produced you (Kogi Deputy Governor) as NUT state Chairman resolved unequivocally in favor of two tenures of office on a rotational basis for the three senatorial districts, commencing from the East, and you presided over the following State Wing Executive Council meeting that ratified conference resolutions.”
The union accused Salifu’s associates of hypocrisy and disloyalty to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo: “The hypocritical maneuvers of your personal assistant against the sacrosanct conference decision and clear instructions of His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo is not only casting aspersions on your person but undermines your love and loyalty for our amiable Governor.”
The union vowed to resist any attempts to divide its members along tribal or political lines: “We want to assure the public, the government, and all union members: The Western Bloc Will Not Be Divided. We remain united, focused, and committed to the principles of justice, fairness, and peace.”
The statement concluded with a firm stance in support of the current leadership: “We reject any form of intimidation or tribal sentiment being used to distract from agreed resolution. We reaffirm our total support for the current leadership under Comrade Yakubu Dauda Imam. Today, we rise to defend democracy, protect our union, and preserve the honour of true leadership.”
