The Kebbi State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that a school teacher, Abduljalal Usman, was suspended for rejecting a Ramadan palliative, clarifying that the disciplinary action was due to repeated absenteeism.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Basic and Higher Education on Thursday, spokesperson Aminu Suleiman described the circulating claims as misleading and inaccurate.
He stated that the teacher’s suspension had no connection to a viral video in which Usman criticised the government over receiving one ‘mudu’ of maize and one ‘mudu’ of millet.
According to Suleiman, the decision to sanction the teacher was based strictly on professional misconduct related to frequent absence from duty.
He explained that the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Muhammad Bande, regularly conducts unscheduled inspections of schools to ensure compliance with official responsibilities.
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“It is not true. Abduljalal Usman was not suspended because of any alleged Ramadan palliative issue; he was sanctioned due to his frequent absence from duty,” Suleiman said.
The government also clarified that the Ramadan palliative was a voluntary support initiative aimed at assisting citizens during the fasting period and should not be politicised or misrepresented.
“The Ramadan support was extended in good faith and is not an entitlement. It should not be weaponised against the government,” the statement added.
The clarification follows earlier reports alleging that Usman was suspended after rejecting the food items and publicly criticising the government, claims the state authorities have now firmly denied.
The development highlights ongoing concerns around misinformation and the need for accurate reporting, particularly on sensitive issues involving public welfare and governance.