Stakeholders from Kogi West senatorial district of the Nigerian Union Of Teachers NUT have raised serious concerns about the inordinate attempts by the incumbent chairman of the union to trash the existing gentleman rotation arrangement that has been ongoing for over 30 years. The Forum concerns was highlighted in a press statement addressed to the chairman comrade Yakubu Dauda, and made available to Journalist in Lokoja.
The Statement stated that “As you are aware, your appointment was intended to complete the tenure of Comrade Joe Salifu, who was fortunate enough to be appointed as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State. Consequently, it is not yet the turn of the Kogi East senatorial district.
We must uphold the gentleman’s rotation arrangement in the spirit of equity and fairness. While your appointment to replace the Deputy Governor may not have aligned with the union’s constitution and rules of engagement—given that you were a local government council chairman of NUT, and there exists a deputy vice chairman who should have stepped in upon Comrade Joe Salifu’s elevation—Kogi West, particularly the Okun people, have graciously allowed you to complete the remainder of Comrade Salifu’s tenure. They have patiently awaited the upcoming elections to reclaim their rightful position.
However, this does not grant you the authority to disregard the established rotation agreement. Any attempt to do so would be seen as an affront and a misuse of your privilege and office, undermining the peaceful relationship with Kogi West NUT stakeholders.
Your efforts to retain the position in Kogi East represent a significant abuse of power and authority, which we will resist through all legal means available. This is particularly concerning given the current challenges your administration faces, including poor performance, gross misconduct, and a lack of accountability in fiscal operations. It would be prudent for you to conclude your administration on a positive note, as your struggle to remain in office could ultimately lead to disunity and discord among teachers in Kogi State”
The Statement further added that”We in the Kogi West senatorial district will not stand idly by while our rights are compromised.
The press statement concluded that ”
We are utilizing this opportunity to urge all of our Kogi West stakeholders to stand firm and unified in the fight for the sake of future generations, our children, and posterity”.
