The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze by the Abia State University (ABSU), describing the action as disturbing and an attempt to intimidate and victimise a citizen for speaking out on issues of public interest.
The party said the suspension was an assault on the fundamental right of citizens to raise concerns about injustice, poor governance and the welfare of workers under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
According to the APC, suspending a university professor for expressing concerns about the welfare of lecturers and making comments considered “uncomplimentary” to the governor reflects what it described as an alarming level of intolerance towards dissent, constructive criticism and legitimate demands for accountability.
The party noted that Professor Nwaeze had consistently expressed his views on matters of public interest through his social media platforms and that his criticism of governance did not begin with the present administration.
It said it was particularly disturbing that his recent intervention, which focused largely on the welfare conditions of academics in Abia State, had resulted in his suspension.
The APC questioned why Professor Nwaeze should be punished for speaking about the plight of workers, including his claim that a professor at Abia State University reportedly earns less than ₦400,000 monthly, while professors in some other states earn about ₦1.4 million.
The party also questioned the continued payment of lecturers under the 2009 ASUU/FG salary structure despite the implementation of newer salary arrangements in some other universities, while workers are simultaneously subjected to the 2024 tax regime.
“It is unconscionable to impose the current tax burden on workers while continuing to pay them according to an obsolete salary structure,” the party stated.
The APC further expressed concern over claims that some members of staff were allegedly owed salaries for as long as 44 months.
It argued that if the allegations were untrue, the appropriate response from government should be to provide the facts and disprove them, while if they were true, the government should investigate the matter, take corrective action and pay all legitimate outstanding entitlements rather than suspend the person who brought the issues to public attention.
The party alleged that since the inception of the Otti administration, Abia workers had faced economic hardship, employment insecurity and victimisation whenever they raised concerns about their welfare.
It described Professor Nwaeze’s suspension as punitive and potentially aimed at intimidating civil servants and other public employees who may wish to speak about the welfare conditions of workers in the state.
The APC recalled that under previous administrations, Abians were able to express their views openly without fear of intimidation or victimisation. It also noted that Governor Otti, while a private citizen, had previously used full-page newspaper advertisements to criticise past administrations and express his views on matters of public interest.
According to the party, Abia workers are currently confronted with rising living costs and declining purchasing power, and the government should demonstrate empathy, responsibility and commitment to improving their welfare rather than silencing those who raise concerns.
The APC therefore called on the Abia State Government to immediately:
– Recall Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze and discontinue what it described as his unjust and punitive suspension.
– Pay all outstanding salaries, allowances, promotion arrears and other legitimate entitlements owed to lecturers and workers in the state’s higher institutions.
– Address the continued use of obsolete salary structures and ensure that workers are paid in line with applicable and duly approved remuneration structures.
– End the alleged victimisation, intimidation and harassment of civil servants who speak out on workers’ welfare, governance and issues of public interest.
The party said it would continue to demand accountability, transparency and respect for the dignity of workers and citizens across the state.
“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 APC stated.
The Abia APC reaffirmed its solidarity with workers, lecturers and citizens who, it said, are subjected to punishment or intimidation for demanding justice, dignity, transparency and good governance.
