A school teacher in Kebbi State, Abduljalal Usman, has been reportedly suspended for three months without salary after allegedly rejecting a Ramadan palliative and speaking out against what he described as bad governance.

According to sources on Saturday, Usman declined “one mudu of maize and one mudu of millet” offered as Ramadan palliatives by the state government.

The items were part of a distribution programme meant to provide relief to residents during the fasting period.

However, the teacher’s refusal of the items and his criticism of the programme have now led to disciplinary action against him by authorities in the state under Governor Nasir Idris.

In a letter of suspension issued by the education secretary at the Dandi Local government education authority, Kamba, Kebbi State, the victim was accused of negligence of duty.

“For negligence and defaulting to duty, the authority is hereby suspending you to it’s duty for a period of three months,” the letter seen by SaharaReporters read.

The letter did not state the exact act of negligence of duty the victim, Abduljalal carried out.

Those who condemned the action said the teacher was being punished for refusing the Ramadan gesture and for speaking out against governance in the state.

“Under the leadership of Nasir idris, the Kebbi State Government is now punishing teachers for refusing humiliation and for criticising the weaponisation of poverty,” another source said.

The situation was further described as “bias, incompetence and total abuse of power,” with critics arguing that teachers should not face punitive measures for expressing their views.

“Teachers deserve dignity, fair pay and respect not intimidation for speaking the truth,” another source added.

The development has also drawn attention because Governor Idris himself was once a classroom teacher before venturing into politics, a fact observers say makes the action “surprising” to many who expected greater empathy toward educators in the state.

The incident has sparked debate among education stakeholders and civil society advocates, who say the case raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and the welfare of teachers in the state’s public education system.

In July 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a harrowing malnutrition crisis was unfolding in Kebbi State, with children fighting for their lives amid a crumbling healthcare system, according to a shocking report from local monitors and international aid groups.

The only health post in the area is described as “barely functional,” lacking trained health workers, essential medicines, and medical equipment.

Residents had expressed their desperation, saying, “They are unable to afford treatment or transportation to hospitals in nearby towns. Many feel trapped watching their children suffer from entirely preventable conditions.”

The community’s plight underscores the dire consequences of poverty and neglect, with families unable to access the care their children desperately need.

Kebbi has also suffered from insecurity that has led to kidnapping and destruction of properties.