Taraba Activist Abdulmuni Iman Alleges Salary Suspension, Defends Employment Status Amid Growing Controversy
Taraba-based activist Abdulmuni Iman has alleged that his salary has been suspended following what he described as directives from the Taraba State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, while also defending his employment status against allegations that he is a "ghost worker."
In a statement shared on social media, Iman claimed he was informed that the Commissioner instructed his employer to stop the payment of his salary and that the directive had already been implemented.
"If the worst they can do is stop my salary, do they really believe that will silence me?" Iman said, insisting that financial pressure would not stop him from speaking out on issues he considers matters of public interest.
He maintained that he would never apologize for expressing his views or compromise his principles because of his salary, adding that he believes any withheld earnings would eventually be recovered through lawful means.
The activist further argued that hunger is temporary but integrity and conscience endure, reiterating his call for accountability among public office holders in Taraba State.
Responds to 'Ghost Worker' Claims
Following public reactions to his initial statement, Iman addressed allegations by some critics who described him as a "ghost worker" because he resides and works in Abuja rather than Jalingo.
According to him, his official place of assignment is the Taraba State University (TSU) Liaison Office in Guzape, Abuja, and not the University's main campus.
Iman stated that the Abuja Liaison Office was established in 2022 following an initiative he proposed, which he said received the support of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Sunday Bako.
He explained that the office serves as the University's liaison facility in Abuja, providing accommodation for the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials during official engagements in the Federal Capital Territory.
The activist added that he served as the University's Liaison Officer, with responsibilities including processing visa applications for the Vice Chancellor and senior staff, coordinating official travel arrangements, securing flight tickets, and managing airport protocol for university officials on official assignments.
He argued that these responsibilities demonstrate the legitimacy of his appointment and urged critics to understand the nature of his official posting before making accusations.
In a strongly worded concluding remark, Iman said that if the Commissioner "wants my salary so badly," he should resign from his current office and assume the role of Liaison Officer in Abuja, where he would carry out the responsibilities attached to the position.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Taraba State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, nor Taraba State University has issued an official response to Iman's allegations regarding the alleged suspension of his salary or the claims surrounding his employment status.