By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has expressed it’s solidarity with the faculty and academic staff of the Gombe State University (GSU) over it’s demand for better welfare of staff.
The GSU lecturers under the the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) recently embarked on an indefinite strike over a lingering irreconcilable welfare benefits demands.
But the PDP in a press statement condemning the Gombe State Government’s neglect of education went ahead to support the workers strike action. The party also called for accountability in public spending.
According to the statement signed and made available to newsmen by the party’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku,
ASUU’s action highlights the alarming neglect of the educational institutions under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It said, the current administration’s negligence extends beyond higher education, severely impacting the entire educational framework, starting from foundational levels.
It also alleged that the inadequate welfare of teachers, particularly in primary schools, has contributed to a decline in the quality of education that children receive.
It accused the APC Government of exhibiting a blatant disregard for the rule of law and fostering an environment where intimidation of civil servants regarding the new minimum wage has become common.
The statement reads: “The Government’s refusal to honour the 2021 Memorandum of Action (MoA), which promised increased funding, payment of accumulated earned academic allowances, and the establishment of a training fund for academic staff, is profoundly disappointing.
“Since taking office in 2019, the APC administration has systematically undermined key educational institutions, including the Gombe State University of Science and Technology in Kumo, the School of Nursing in Dukku, the College of Education in Billiri, the State Polytechnic in Bajoga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies in Nafada, through poor funding and a lack of political will”.
It said, the citizens of Gombe State are watching with keen interest as numerous palliatives donated by the Federal Government, the Northeast Development Commission, private organizations, and well-to-do individuals have been left to languish in a private store thus, failing to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“This disregard for the intended purpose of such donations is nothing short of inhumane and constitutes wickedness of the highest order”, it alleged.
“In addition to the crisis in education, the administration has shown a troubling disregard for the pressing needs of our citizens, as evidenced by controversial projects such as the water reticulation initiatives from Dadin Kowa. These projects have been marred by allegations of misconduct and an alarming level of arrogance from the Governor.
“Instead of addressing fundamental community issues, the Government appears more focused on grandiose projects that serve as conduits for misappropriating public resources, rather than genuinely benefiting the populace.
“The practice of employing proxies to execute Government contracts raises serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
“Rather than prioritizing education and investing in the future of our youth, the Government has redirected public funds toward initiatives that lack relevance to the pressing needs of our citizens.
“These expenditures include the expansion of the Government House, the establishment of an industrial park, the construction of a Three-Arms Zone, and the installation of streetlights at exorbitant prices.
“Most concerning is the recent allocation of 1.1 billion naira for the importation of medical equipment, allegedly donated to Gombe State from America, which further raises questions about the prudent management of our resources”, it said.
The PDP therefore called on the citizens of the State to hold the Government accountable for its actions and demand a proactive commitment to prioritizing education and public welfare over personal interests.
It said, “Governor Yahaya must recognize that we are not in a bygone era; we live in a time that necessitates transparency, accountability, and a genuine dedication to advancing our State through education and innovation”.
The party thereafter urged all people in the State to unite in a critical cause, advocating for a Government that is responsive, responsible, and genuinely committed to the betterment of the society.
