The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comr. Joel Salifu has been strongly advised to disassociate himself from the evil plot by some section of NUT members, trying to create ranks amongst the Union.
The western bloc of the Nigeria Union Of Teachers (NUT), Kogi State Chapter made the disclosure at a Press conference held in Kabba.
The Press Conference was read by Ajayi Peter Oluyomi, Chairman and Alegbemi Michael Kayode, Secretary.
Excerpts of the Press Briefing reads as follows:
PRESS BRIEFING RELEASE BY THE WESTERN BLOC OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF TEACHERS (NUT), KOGI STATE
Date: Monday, June 24, 2025
Venue: NUT Teachers House, Kabba
Occasion: Emergency Stakeholders Meeting of the Western Bloc
A Stand for Truth, Unity and Progress — Western Bloc Speaks Out on Recent Misleading Press Release by Okun Stakeholders Forum
Distinguished members of the press, respected stakeholders, and beloved teachers across Kogi State,
We, the Western Bloc of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kogi State, have called this important meeting and press briefing to address the misleading claims in defence of our collective decisions, and to set the record straight following a recent press release issued by a self-proclaimed “Kogi West Stakeholders Forum” a release that was not only misleading, but deeply divisive, and targeted at causing unnecessary tension within our union.
Let it be known today: we will not remain silent while a few individuals with selfish motives attempt to manipulate the public, discredit our leaders, and destroy the unity we have built as teachers and as a bloc.
1. The So-Called Press Release Is Not the Voice of the Western Bloc
The document circulating in the name of “Kogi West Stakeholders Forum” is not from us — the legitimate Western Bloc leaders and delegates who are duly recognized and represented across all seven LGAs of this zone.
The truth is simple: the authors of that release are disgruntled elements whose inordinate ambition cannot thrive because of it’s selfish nature, it may also interest the general public to know that 95% of that evil group are members of NIGERIA UNION OF PENSION who have no stake in our great Union the reason why their feeble attempt to hijack a legally constituted decision of the State Delegates Conference, is laughable.
2. We Stand Firmly by the Resolutions of the February 18th Western Bloc Meeting
On February 18, 2025, we convened at the NUT Teachers House in Kabba, and unanimously decided
to:
– Support the tenure elongation policy of eight (8) years for both state and branch executives, aligning with national best practice.
– Allow Comrade Yakubu Dauda Imam to complete his second term, as representative of the Eastern Bloc.
– Ensure that after his tenure, the leadership of the union rotates to the Western Bloc and remains in the Bloc for two consecutive term of eight years
- Reinforce key welfare programs like the Health Insurance Scheme and the Machine loan Initiative.
- Demand fair consideration of the Western Bloc in national representations and strategic committee appointments.
All these were agreed with maturity, signed by our authentic leaders, and supported by overwhelming consensus.
3. WE STRONGLY ADVICE HIS EXCELLENCY, THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR COMRADE JOEL SALIFU TO DISASSOCIATE HIMSELF FROM THIS EVIL PLOT.
Recall that the delegate’s conference that produced you as NUT state Chairman resolved unequivocally in favor of two tenure of office on rotational basis for the three senatorial districts commencing from the East, and you presided over the following state wing executive council (SWEC) meeting that ratified the conference resolutions.
The hypocratic maneuvers of your personal assistant (oberja) against the sacrosanct conference decision and clear instructions of His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo is not only casting aspersions on your person but undermines your love and loyalty for our amiable Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo.We believe you can call him to order.
4. Tenure Elongation Was Not a Favour — It Was a Collective Mandate
Let us be clear : the tenure elongation policy was not a favour to any individual or zone.
It was a strategic decision taken at the State Delegates Conference to enhance continuity, deepen leadership experience, and align with best practices at the National level.
It was supported by all three senatorial zones — including us in the Western Bloc — with full understanding that the zoning rotation will follow afterwards.
To now turn around and pretend that the Western Bloc was sidelined is dishonest and insulting to the intelligence of the teachers we represent.
5. Our Final Word : The Western Bloc Will Not Be Divided
We want to assure the public, the government, and all union members that: - We remain united, focused, and committed to the principles of justice, fairness, and peace.
– We reject any form of intimidation or tribal sentiment being used to distract from agreed resolutions.
– We reaffirm our total support for the current leadership under Comrade Yakubu Dauda Imam.
– We stand solidly with the tenure elongation policy and the zoning arrangement already in place.
– We will continue to work in peace with all stakeholders, but we will never allow a few voices to hijack our collective progress.
Today, we rise to defend democracy, protect our union, and preserve the honour of true leadership.
We urge the media, the public, and our fellow educators to see beyond the noise and recognize the true motive behind the recent publication.
This is not a fight for fairness — it is a fight for power, disguised as justice.
But we have seen through the mask and we say: Enough is enough.
Signed :
*Chairman, Western Bloc NUT Kogi State.
Ajayi Peters Oluyomi
*Alegbemi Michael Kayode
Secretary, Western Bloc NUT Kogi State.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
