I am writing with a heavy heart to express my outrage and disappointment over the unjust termination of the appointment of a brother, Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri, from his position as a lecturer at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. This egregious act, perpetrated by the Kwara State government, is a stark reminder of the dangers of partisan politics and the blatant disregard for the rights of citizens.
Abdulqadri received his employment letter on August 08, 2024 and was served a disengagement letter on December 17, 2024. No offence was stated to have been committed. It only read that: “Your service is no longer needed.” That was as low and uncivil as the actors could go to please Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, under whose administration the state institution is being used to settle political scores.
My brother’s employment was abruptly terminated, merely months after he was hired, due to his alleged affiliation with the opposition party. This baseless accusation was levelled by an appointee of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who compiled a list of staff members to be sacked, with my brother’s name at the top.
It must be stated that Abdulqadri, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, holder of masters degree in the field of Sociology, and currently a registered PhD student of the BetterByFar University was employed solely on merit. The versatile son of the Ilorin Emirate is well-read and has academic publications, both national and international. He was employed because he was deemed qualified.
It is quite untoward that the Rector of the Polytechnic, instead of upholding the principles of fairness and justice, succumbed to gratuitous pressure and threw professionalism to the wind by serving my brother and others on the list with dismissal letters. This callous act is a betrayal of the trust placed in a public institution and a blatant disregard for the rights of the affected staff members.
The implications of this action are far-reaching and ominous. If Kwarans can be treated in such a manner in their own state, what fate awaits non-Kwarans and residents? Again, if such evil is allowed, what fate awaits individuals who are, in one way or another, associated with opposition figures in the future? Apparently, it is hard to rule out a reprisal act from any ruling government. Indeed, this is doom staring us in the face. This must be condemned in its entirety and rejected at all costs.
Since the perpetration of this unimaginable act, several questions flooded my mind. How can one’s perceived affiliation with an opposition justify the loss of livelihood? Is Kwara Polytechnic a government institution or a property of a political party? Will the management of Kwara Polytechnic, led by the Rector, Dr Jimoh Abdul be proud of such a malicious blunder? Will Mallam AbdulRazaq be proud that such an ignoble act took place under his watch as Governor? Will the soul of Abdulqadri and others, as well as their dependents/families, ever forgive or bless those involved in this monstrosity?
The trend for emphasis is perilous for the development of our dear state. I implore well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and rescue the future of Kwara State from those who do not have its best interests at heart. I call on royal fathers, spiritual leaders, community, and township associations to speak out against this injustice and demand a reversal of this unfair decision, else, it will go down as one of the darkest moments in the annals of Kwara State. It must be reversed because “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
To those in power, I remind you that power is transient, and everyone will become history soon. The positions you occupy today will be occupied by others tomorrow. Let this reality guide your actions and decisions so that you may leave a lasting legacy of fairness, justice, and compassion.
It is more pathetic that this is happening to one of Kwara’s most vibrant young minds, who has always shown unalloyed passion and commitment to anything Kwara. Isn’t this an act to sow seeds of disloyalty in the minds of a patriotic young man and others following this development?
To my dear brother, I urge you to take heart. Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise. I pray and strongly believe that you will emerge from this setback stronger, wiser, more resilient and committed to the harmony of our dear state. Better opportunities await you, and I have no doubt that you will rise above this adversity. For every single door the enemy closed against you, God Almighty will open new #SevenDoors for you.
May Almighty Allah guide and protect us all.
Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.