The Lagos state government has waded into the alleged suspension of a student for using the poster of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, to wrap her books.
“Miss Barinada Marvelous of JSS 2B is he bey permitted to go home to campaign for Peter Obi against the wish of Lagosians,” the alleged suspension letter read.
The incident which reportedly occurred at Odomola Junior Secondary School in the Epe area of the state, has drawn condemnations after her parents reported the treatment meted to their ward.
Angry Nigerians have trenchantly condemned the alleged act, and have also called for a thorough probe of the school’s authority.
Whoever is found to have wrongly suspended the girl, not a few said, should be punished to serve as deterrent go thers who mzy want to try such harassment in th3 future,
It appears the state government understands the feeling of Nigerians, loud and clear, that students should not be punished because of their political leanings, and has now swung into action.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Education Folasade Adefisayo, who announced the position of the government on Wednesday, Governor Sanwoolu has directed that the school’s principal to be questioned.
“The Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Education and all its agencies will never instruct any school principal, personnel or teacher to act in such a manner,” Adefisayo stated.
She stated that“the matter would be dealt with within the scope of our strict regulations as the reason for sending home the student is unacceptable – if true. “
The commissioner also stated that investigation is ongoing in another school in the state where a school principal has been accused of soliciting support from the student for her preferred political candidate.
This is wrong, Adefisayo said, adding that the school environment must not be used for politics, assuring that anyone caught doing this will be seven punished.
She said, “The Ministry promotes and runs a public school system devoid of politics and political insinuations.
“A thorough investigation of the matter will be carried out and anyone found culpable will be subjected to disciplinary measures as laid down in the civil service rules.”
There has been reported cases of harassment of politcal opponents across the country during the election.
For instance, Governors Samuel Ortom and Bello Masari of Benue and Katsina states were alleged to have threatened civil servants in their respective states, that they will be punished if they don’t support the governorship candidate of their choice.
