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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for greater protection of lecturers expressing opinions on public affairs, following the prosecution of Dr. Bashir Kurfi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, over comments relating to insecurity in Katsina State.
The union’s Northwest Zonal Chairman, Professor Abubakar Sabo, said the development had raised concerns within the academic community about freedom of expression and the treatment of professionals who speak on issues affecting society.
Kurfi was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services and arraigned before a Katsina State High Court on October 13. He was later granted bail, with proceedings initially adjourned to October 16.
Sabo said the union was following the case closely to determine whether the lecturer’s rights were being respected throughout the judicial process. He disclosed that representatives from ASUU branches across the Northwest had attended the court proceedings to monitor developments.
The union maintained that while individuals must answer for any established breach of the law, legal proceedings should not become a means of discouraging criticism or silencing contributions to public debate.
Sabo urged the Katsina State Government to direct greater attention towards insecurity, economic difficulties and problems confronting the education sector, arguing that these issues required urgent and practical solutions.
He warned that any perceived attempt to intimidate academics could undermine confidence in public institutions and discourage lecturers from contributing their expertise to discussions on governance and national development.
The ASUU leader added that the union would consider further action if its findings indicated that Kurfi had been subjected to unfair treatment. However, he stressed that the organisation would respect a fair judicial process if the allegations against the lecturer were established in accordance with the law.
He also appealed to the judiciary to ensure that the matter was determined objectively, without prejudice or external interference.
The controversy has renewed attention on the relationship between freedom of expression and legal accountability, particularly when public comments concern government performance and security challenges. ASUU reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of university lecturers while upholding fairness, due process and the rule of law.
