The Sokoto Youth Emancipation Front (SYEF) has faulted the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, over his criticism of the state government’s handling of the civil service.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto, leader of the group, Comrade Hamisu Sani, urged Dan’Iya to distinguish between constructive criticism and what he described as politically motivated criticism of government policies.
Dan’Iya had criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration over what he described as the continued retention of some retired civil servants in active positions.
He alleged that extensions granted to some retired officials were affecting career progression and limiting opportunities for younger civil servants, including teachers, headmasters, principals and Permanent Secretaries.
Reacting, Sani said the group was surprised that Dan’Iya, a former official of the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, would criticise aspects of the civil service structure under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
He questioned why Dan’Iya, having served under the previous administration, was only now raising concerns about the state civil service.
Sani said the group supported constructive criticism capable of improving governance but urged political actors to support their claims with facts and evidence.
He also called on Dan’Iya to provide verifiable evidence for the concerns he raised and engage the government constructively on issues affecting workers and residents of the state.