Date Published: 11/16/09

Open Letter to President YarAdua on the closure of public school in Abuja for the hosting of 2009 Abuja Carnival

16th November 2009
The President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Presidency,
Aso Villa,
Abuja, FCT.
Your Excellency,

TWO WEEK UNWARRANTED CLOSE DOWN OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ABUJA, FCT FOR “2009 ABUJA CARNIVAL”

A CALL FOR THE REVIEW OF UNJUSTIFIABLE CLOSE DOWN AND RESIGNATION OF THE FCT MINISTER.

I am constrained to write you this letter as a Nigeria Citizen, father, guardian and a lawyer with dedicated and patriotic interest in keeping a close watch on the nation’s state of affairs as well as advocating for and ensuring good governance in our dear country.

I am sure that it is within your knowledge the seat of your government, Abuja will pay host to the annual cultural cum tourist festival tagged “2009 Abuja Carnival” with the themed “Celebrate Nigeria” which will take place between 21 st - 24 th November 2009 in which 36 States of the Nigeria Federation and FCT will show case their cultural heritage to the delight of the residents and tourists of Abuja.

From the past events which my family and our visitors have been graciously invited to attend, the Carnival has to do with glitz, colours and excitements; simply it is a street party. The event is indeed fascinating and desirable but it is however not interesting and beat me hollow to understand that the Administrators of the Public Educational system in Abuja under the able supervision of the Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Adamu Aliero has unilaterally declared the closure of Public Schools in Abuja for the preparation and hosting 2009 Abuja Carnival.

This therefore translate to the effect that for a mere 3 days street jamboree and party christened Abuja Carnival the learning students in public schools will be shut out from educational activities for the next 167 (One Hundred and Sixty Seven) hours; 14 days.

I am of the strong view that our education system is of great value to the development of human resources, especially at this developing stage of our dear nation.

Therefore, I with respect view the two week unwarranted closure as another reflection of the infamous Boko Haram (Detest against Western Education), a stride which is completely antithetical to the universally quest for education.

I therefore, deem it fit to call your attention to this insensitivity on the part of the Honourable Minister of FCT and therefore urge you to review this anti-education decision as well as relieve Senator Adamu Aliero of the post of Minister of FCT with other officials that are wittingly or unwittingly involved in this unprogressive decision.

Education is the bedrock of any nation’s development whereas the Minister has not demonstrated any commitment to promote this important sector, as it would be recalled that this same minister had in the past used funds budgeted for the educational sector for other purposes.

I wish to restate my commitment and support to any measures that will ensure good governance in Nigeria.

Accept, please, your Excellency, the firm assurances of my highest regards.

Yours truly,

Kayode AJULO, ESQ.