Fresh strike: ASUU gives FG Tuesday ultimatum

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to commence another strike action if the federal government fails to fulfill its agreement with the union by Tuesday, August 31. The Publisher reports.

The union had last year embarked on a nearly 10-month strike — which it later suspended — over the non-implementation of its demands by the federal government.

ASUU, however, threatened fresh strike months after, citing the government’s failure to implement the agreement it signed with the union.

Earlier in August, representatives of ASUU had met with that of the federal government led by Chris Ngige, the minister of labour and employment, to discuss ways to resolve the planned industrial action.

But speaking with PUNCH, Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU president, alleged that the federal government had stopped engaging with the union over an agreement both parties reached in May.

Osodeke also claimed that the government does not respond to calls from the union again.

The ASUU president said the union would not hesitate to activate procedures for the commencement of another strike if the government fails to contact the union by Tuesday.

“The government has refused to reach out to us. Government officials have stopped. In fact, they don’t take our calls again. Nigerians should tell the government to do what they agreed to do,” he said.

“We signed an agreement and even in May, we reached a final agreement; this is August and nothing has been implemented. Does it make any sense? We are giving them till the end of August and after that, we start the procedures.”

In June, Osodeke had said that the body would embark on strike if the government does not fulfill its promises.

When contacted by TheCable Lifestyle, Moyosore Ajao, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chairman of the union, said the body is still monitoring the negotiation process with the government.

“It’s the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU that declares strike and normally they do that after wield consultations. Let’s keep monitoring events as they unfold,” he said.