Some personnel of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) have been suspended for two months without salaries after a video showing them singing a political campaign song in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso went viral on social media.
The disciplinary action was announced by the agency’s management on Tuesday following an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at Nwagu Agulu Junction while the officers were on traffic control duty.
The viral footage showed the personnel singing a song associated with the political aspirations of Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his running mate, Kwankwaso, to a motorist.
Following the circulation of the video, the officers were summoned to the agency’s headquarters in Awka, the state capital, where they were asked to explain their conduct while performing official duties.
Although the circumstances surrounding their decision to sing remain unclear, reports suggested that the officers might have been prompted by the NDC logo displayed on the motorist’s vehicle.
However, the two-month suspension without pay has reportedly left the affected personnel and their families worried about their financial situation.
Sources disclosed that some of the officers had become emotionally distressed, with some reportedly crying and appealing to influential individuals to intervene and persuade the relevant authorities to reconsider the punishment.
Their family members have also reportedly appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to assist the affected personnel in securing alternative employment opportunities to cushion the financial impact of the suspension.
They expressed concern that the loss of two months’ salaries could worsen the economic difficulties facing the officers and their households.
The development has also sparked renewed discussions about the extent of political freedom available to public servants, particularly those working in government agencies.
While public officers retain their constitutional rights to participate in political activities as citizens, regulations governing public service conduct may restrict partisan expressions during working hours, especially when personnel are in official uniforms or carrying out government assignments.
It remains unclear whether the agency’s decision was based solely on a breach of its operational regulations or whether other factors informed the disciplinary measure.
