Re: Falsehood on the Retirement of Former Osun NUT Chairman, Comrade Fatade Muritala
The attention of the Osun State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has been drawn to a misleading report circulated by Osun Defender and its agents, suggesting that the former Chairman of the Union, Comrade Fatade Muritala, was forced to resign by the State Government.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the State Capital, the newly elected Chairman of the Union, Comrade Babalola Isaac Babatunde, described the report as a complete fabrication and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
“It is a pure lie that Comrade Fatade was pressurised by the State Government to resign. This is far from the truth,” he stated.
“As a responsible union, we would have ignored the fake news, but for the sake of innocent readers who may be misled by such falsehood, we have decided to set the record straight. Comrade Fatade was never pressurized to resign. His retirement was based strictly on the statutory requirements of age and length of service.”
“At no point did His Excellency, the Governor, interfere or get involved in the affairs of our Union or any other union. The leadership transition within the NUT followed due process and was conducted in line with established guidelines.”
For clarity, Article 4(1) of the NUT Constitution states that only teachers currently in the employment of the Federal, State, or Local Government, or other recognized educational institutions, are eligible for membership and leadership in the Union. Once a member retires, they automatically cease to hold office in any union capacity. This principle was upheld in this case.
Comrade Babalola also issued a strong appeal to media practitioners:
“I want to implore men of the pen profession to always fact-check any story before publishing it for public consumption. Journalists should know that their words carry weight and can either build or destroy reputations. It is essential for the integrity of the profession and the peace of society that media practitioners verify facts from credible sources before going to press.”
The administration of Governor Adeleke has been so kind to Osun teachers,” he said. “We acknowledge and commend the various steps taken to improve the working conditions and morale of teachers across the state.”
Comrade Babalola noted that under the current administration, teachers have witnessed prompt payment of salaries, improved school infrastructure, and a renewed focus on quality education.
“As a union, we shall continue to give him the necessary support to ensure that his people-oriented policies in education succeed,” he added.
The Osun State NUT, therefore, urges the general public to disregard the misinformation being circulated and continue to support the Union in its quest to protect the interests of teachers and promote educational development in Osun State.
Signed:
Comrade Babalola Isaac Babatunde
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers
Osun State Wing
Comrade Akin AdeOjo
Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers Osun State wing
