Anambra Suspends Officers Over Obi-Kwankwaso Campaign Song
The Anambra State Government has suspended several traffic officers for two months without pay after a video showing them singing a political campaign song circulated online.
The affected personnel belong to the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) and reportedly sang in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Both politicians are associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where Obi is the presidential candidate and Kwankwaso is his running mate.
According to investigations, ATMA management announced the disciplinary measure on Tuesday following public reactions to the footage showing the officers performing their official duties.
The incident reportedly happened at Nwagu Agulu Junction, where the officers were assigned to control traffic when they encountered a motorist.
In the widely circulated video, the officers were seen singing an NDC campaign song reportedly directed at the occupant of the vehicle.
Following the incident, the officers were summoned to the agency’s headquarters in Awka, where management reportedly requested explanations regarding their conduct and circumstances.
Their subsequent two-month suspension without salaries is understood to have followed the disciplinary proceedings initiated after the video attracted widespread public attention.
Although the officers’ motivation remains uncertain, reports suggest they may have noticed the NDC logo displayed on the motorist’s vehicle before singing.
The punishment has reportedly caused considerable anxiety among the affected personnel, with some expressing concerns about their livelihoods and financial responsibilities.
Sources indicated that some officers had been crying and seeking assistance from influential individuals who might persuade the authorities to reconsider their punishment.
Their relatives have also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to help the affected workers secure alternative employment while they face the consequences.
They fear that losing two months’ salaries could worsen the financial difficulties confronting the officers and their respective households.
The development has reopened discussions about political expression among public employees, particularly when partisan activities occur during official assignments or within government institutions.
Although public officers retain constitutional rights as citizens, their freedom to engage in partisan activities may be subject to applicable public service regulations.
Such restrictions are particularly relevant when employees participate in political activities while wearing official uniforms or performing government-assigned responsibilities.
However, ATMA has not publicly clarified whether the suspension specifically concerns a breach of operational regulations or other disciplinary considerations arising from the incident.
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