BY CHUKS COLLINS, AWKA
THE Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) has suspended for two months without pay, some of its officers who went viral recently after singing a campaign song in support of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of the state, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The management reportedly handed down the suspension on Tuesday, Nov 10, following the controversy generated by a video showing the officers singing NDC campaign song to motorists while on duty at Nwagu Junction area of Agulu, Obi’s homet in Anaocha Council.
Following the incident, the officers were summarily rounded up and taken to the agency’s Awka headquarters, where they were made to explain their action and circumstances surrounding the incident.
It was gathered that their behaviour was on the spur of the moment as they reportedly got carried away and joined the chorus when they saw a passing vehicle bearing NDC logo and blaring loudspeakers.
Their suspension was assumed to be part of the agency’s disciplinary process as a result of the viral video.
The suspended officers were visibly downcast and looking very worried, with some of them in tears as they sought the assistance of influential Indigenes to intervene on their behalf.
Meanwhile, their relatives have appealled to public-spirited individuals to come to their aid by assisting them secure alternative employment opportunities during the suspension period, considering the current economic situation in the country, particularly ahead of the Yuletide season.
When contacted, ATMA’s commander declined any comment on the matter.
