ATAPOLY Suspends Staff for Posting APC Campaign Materials

Raliya Kashim, a senior staff member of the Bauchi State-owned Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, has been suspended for campaigning for the presidential and governorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter announcing the suspension was signed by the polytechnic’s spokesperson, Maimako Baraya.

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governs Bauchi State.

Mr Kashim is the polytechnic’s deputy general manager of consultancy services.

Mr. Baraya stated in the letter that Mr. Kashim was aware that the state’s public service rule prohibits civil servants from participating in partisan politics.

“The employee recently posted videos containing campaign materials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship candidates, which is a clear violation of the code of ethics for public servants,” he said.

“The management of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic wishes to state categorically that the institution is a professional entity governed by rules, and it will go to any length to ensure that all employees respect the institution’s laws.”

“We wish to assure the general public that there will be no sacred cow and that it will never be intimidated by the activities of political operatives, fifth columnists, and state enemies,” he said.

The institution stated in a separate letter signed by Mr Baraya that Mr Kashim’s suspension was not politically motivated.

“The action taken by management against the employee in question was a result of the foregoing.” Any attempt by anyone to evade any motive from any source is a cheap attempt to gain political advantage.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the general public, particularly the good people of Bauchi State, the management of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi wishes to state categorically that the institution is a professional entity governed by rules and regulations, and having accomplished this feat, it shall leave no stone unturned in its determination to ensure that all its employees maintain the highest level of professionalism and respect for the rules of the institution.”

Mr Kashim did not return calls or messages left on his cell phone seeking comment.