Dan’iya Demands Probe into Alleged Withholding of Sokoto Teachers’ Salaries Over ADC Support
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has condemned allegations that the September 2026 salaries of some teachers and workers under Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) across the state were withheld over their alleged support for the party.
Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, described the allegation as troubling and called on the Sokoto State Government to immediately investigate the matter and ensure that no public servant is denied lawful remuneration because of political affiliation.
According to him, reports received by his team indicated that some teachers and supervisors who participated in a rally in support of the ADC governorship candidate were allegedly singled out over their political association.
He also alleged that some Education Secretaries claimed they were acting on “orders from above” and that the affected salaries could not be released even by agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Dan’iya said the allegations were serious enough to warrant an immediate, transparent and independent investigation, urging the state government to clarify its position and disclose the legal basis, if any, for withholding workers’ salaries.
He cited Sections 40, 42(1) and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provide for freedom of association, protection against discrimination based on political opinion and freedom of expression.
The ADC candidate consequently called on the ICPC, EFCC, National Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, relevant labour authorities and other competent national and international institutions to investigate the allegations and establish the facts.
“No teacher should be made to feel that supporting a political party lawfully recognised under Nigerian law is a crime. Teachers go to work, teach our children and perform their responsibilities; their salaries are their legitimate entitlements and should not become instruments of political pressure,” Dan’iya said.
He further disclosed that his legal team was prepared to pursue appropriate legal remedies if the allegations were established, including seeking recovery of withheld salaries and redress for workers found to have suffered unlawful discrimination or victimisation.
Dan’iya also cautioned that the ongoing verification of newly recruited workers should not be used as a mechanism for political discrimination.
The Sokoto State Government had announced on September 23 that it was verifying 3,100 newly recruited civil servants to facilitate salary payments to eligible workers.
The ADC candidate called for the immediate payment of any salaries lawfully due to affected teachers and workers, stressing that democratic competition should be based on ideas, programmes and performance rather than intimidation or deprivation of legitimate entitlements.
He said Sokoto State belongs to all its citizens regardless of political affiliation and urged the government to transparently investigate the allegations to preserve confidence in the public service and democratic institutions.
