Borno Government Suspends Councillor For Allegedly 'Disrespecting' Local Council Chairman On Social Media

The Borno State Government has suspended Mele Mohammed, the Councillor representing Yawa Kura in Abadam Local Government Area, over alleged misconduct on social media.

According to an official letter signed by Bashir Goni Sanda, Acting Director of Local Government Affairs on behalf of the Commissioner, obtained by SaharaReporters, the suspension follows Mohammed’s public disrespect of the Executive Chairman of Abadam Local Government, Malam Fatori, through social media platforms — an action described as a violation of existing laws governing the conduct of public officials.

The letter, which was also copied to the Executive Chairman, stated that the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of further investigations into the matter.

Bashir noted that Mohammed’s action was deemed unbecoming of a person holding such an esteemed public office and said the government viewed the incident as a serious breach of protocol and public accountability.

The statement read, "I am directed to write and refer to the above subject matter and to convey approval of your suspension from office as councillor of Yawa Kura Ward in Abadam Local Government Area pending your case is determined.”

"The suspension became necessary as a result of misconduct unbecoming of a person holding such an esteemed position to disrespect the Executive Chairman of Local Government through social media which is against the Law," the statement added.

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Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, there has been a notable increase in arrests, detentions, and harassment of journalists, activists, and citizens over social media posts and critical reporting. 
These actions have raised significant concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.​​
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Dafy World recalled that, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, called on Nigerians to 'speak out boldly and without fear,' stressing that the nation is on the brink of collapse and in urgent need of rescue.