By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
Following a needless social media outburst by a teacher in Kebbi State, under the Dandi Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance conducted an independent and thorough investigation into the claims made by the teacher.
CSO Investigation: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Social Media Post
The National Chairman of the non-partisan organization, Comrade Usman Muhammed Anche, revealed that the teacher’s claim of receiving a small portion of Ramadan palliatives originated from a self-promoted social media post made before the distribution of Ramadan palliatives by Dandi Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). The CSO raised doubts about the authenticity of the video and image shared, stating that upon careful observation, the teacher’s first and second hands were holding two different polythene bags. Furthermore, the background of the picture didn’t appear to be from a school premises, suggesting that the teacher carefully chose the location to go viral on social media.
The Teacher’s Intentions: Attention and Followers
Another factor discovered during the CSO’s investigation was that the teacher has been an active social media practitioner for some time. It was concluded that the teacher used the self-promoted image and video to gain attention and increase his followers. The CSO also noted that the video lacked a school-like environment, with no noise or activity of people collecting palliatives, which would typically be expected in such a setting.
Governor’s Ramadan Palliative Initiative
The latest Ramadan palliatives distributed across the state marked the third in a series of such humanitarian gestures from the State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris. The CSO raised questions about the teacher’s motives, asking why he only raised the issue now, questioning whether he had been given full bags of palliatives in previous years without making a public outcry.
Amnesty International’s Statement Draws CSO’s Criticism
The CSO expressed deep surprise at a write-up credited to Amnesty International regarding the palliative backlash in Kebbi State, criticizing the Kebbi State Government without considering the facts surrounding the incident. The CSO called on Amnesty International to address those using their name on social media, pointing out that the organization is known for being credible, humane, and unbiased, working hard to protect human sanctity without harming other parties involved.
