The Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) has reportedly suspended some of its officers for two months without pay following the circulation of a viral video showing them singing a political campaign song associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The disciplinary action was reportedly announced on Tuesday, November 10, after the agency summoned the affected officers to its headquarters in Awka to explain their conduct.
The incident reportedly occurred at Nwagu Agulu Junction, where the officers were deployed to manage traffic. In the viral video, they were seen singing the campaign song while interacting with a motorist.
The development attracted public attention and raised questions about the conduct of public officers while performing official duties, particularly regarding political activities in official uniforms.
Reports indicate that the agency initiated an internal disciplinary process after the video circulated on social media. However, the specific provisions of the agency’s regulations allegedly breached by the officers have not been publicly disclosed.
There were also suggestions that the officers might have been prompted to sing after noticing an NDC logo inside the motorist’s vehicle. However, this explanation has not been independently established.
The reported suspension has raised concerns about the financial implications for the affected personnel, as the two-month sanction is without salary. Some reports also indicate that they are seeking intervention from influential individuals to appeal for leniency.
The incident has renewed discussion about the balance between public employees’ personal political preferences and the need to maintain professionalism and neutrality while carrying out official responsibilities.
As of the time of this report, ATMA had not publicly provided further details explaining the specific grounds for the suspension.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
