September 15, 2024

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Education

ASUU faction dissociates self from UniAbuja strike

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

A faction of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja branch, has dissociated itself from the strike action declared by the Union.

The faction known as “Anti-Strike ASUU Members”, at a news conference, in Abuja, shortly, after the declaration of the strike by the ASUU chapter of the school on Thursday, said it would not join the strike.

Recall that the ASUU branch of University of Abuja embarked on indefinite strike in the early hours of Thursday.

Dr Abubakar Kari, the Dean of Students Affairs and former Convener, ASUU National Political Committee,  said the strike was to satisfy personal interest, not the larger interest of ASUU members and the university.

According to him, “Members of ASUU here standing for several other members with like minds but unavoidably absent, rise to reassure students, parents and members of the public that we will protect the sanctity of the University’s robust academic calendar.

“We will continue to work for continuous opening of the university operations.

“We vehemently demand that ASUU must work for ASUU and not a hidden cabal out to take the university of Abuja back to the inglorious yesteryears.

“A decision to go on an indefinite strike without, at any point, seeking members of ASUU’s vote for, or against is absolutely not the ASUU procedure for calling strike.

“So, the so-called strike remains unrepresentative of the larger members of ASUU and cannot stand”.

Speaking on the alleged advertorial for the, about-to-be vacant position of the Vice chancellor, Kari said, so far, five federal universities had advertised for the position of Vice Chancellors.

“The question begging the mind of everyone, staffers and the public is why would ASUU, university of Abuja alone proceed on indefinite strike while University of Maiduguri, Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, ATBU Bauchi and others sustain the sanctity of stable academic calendar on their campuses?

“We say, No, to strike over issues that are not peculiar to the University of Abuja,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the University of Abuja ASUU branch declared an indefinite strike to draw attention to developments bordering the union.

The Chairman of the branch, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, said the union had resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike with immediate effect.

He said the strike became necessary, given the University’s refusal to conduct elections for the office of the Dean’s of faculties and Provost College of Health Sciences.

The Union also accused the University of carrying out promotion of some staffers without following due process.

Other reasons for the strike, according to the Union include, “Advertorial of the vacancy of the post of Vice Chancellor without following due process, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment
General News

FG appeals to SSANU, NASU to call off warning strike

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government has appealed to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to call off their seven-day warning strike.

Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

It would be recalled that the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU had directed its members to embark on a seven- day warning strike over the non-payment of four months withheld salaries.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had in October 2023, directed that the university workers that embarked on prolonged strike in 2022, be paid four months.

Recall also that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who were part of the unions that embarked on the strike had been paid their own withheld four months salaries.

Onyejeocha also expressed displeasure at the action of the unions, which she described as a total disregard of Federal Government’s concerted effort to address the concern of the unions.

According to her, the Ministry was not officially notified by the unions of their intention to proceed on a seven-day warning strike.

“This is contrary to the provisions of section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act.

“The ministry got wind of the intended warning strike and it reached out to the leadership of the unions for an emergency meeting in order to avert the strike.

“Unfortunately, a physical meeting could not be arranged between the unions and the federal government, but a tele-discussion took place between their leadership and the ministry,” she said.

Onyejeocha said that consequently, the ministry suggested another date, Monday March 18, for a proper conciliation meeting.

She added that this was believing that on the basis of that discussion, the intended strike would be put on hold pending the outcome of the meeting; but this date was rejected by the unions.

The minister however, maintained that strike did not serve any useful purpose and should only be resorted to as a last option after exhausting every conciliation effort.

Onyejocha appealed to SSANU and NASU to step back from their hard-line stance and meet the federal government at the table for conciliation.

She however, appealed to all Nigerians to always take steps that were beneficial to the well-being of the country and the citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

NAAT logo
Education , General News

NAAT announces 3-days warning strike over withheld salaries

By Joan Nwagwu

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) says it will begin a three-day warning strike on March 20, over non-payment of four months withheld salaries.

Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT, disclosed this in a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha on Monday in Abuja.

According to Nwokoma, the decision to embark on the warning strike was reached at the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, emergency virtual meeting.

“We are constrained to notify you of the decisions of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NAAT at the end of its emergency virtual meeting held on Wednesday March 13, 2024.

“It was resolved that a three-day warning strike and a nationwide protest on the first day commencing from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd March, 2024 be embarked upon.

“This is to enable the union to press home its demand for the payment of withheld salaries of members of NAAT as approved by the Presidency.

“This became necessary due to the unfortunate circumstances leading to the payment of four months withheld salaries of members of a sister union and the exclusion of members of ΝΑΛΤ,” he said.

He added that, “the minister may wish to note that, in spite of our letter of appeal dated 16, Feb. the office of the minister did not deem it necessary to respond or acknowledge it.”

He, therefore, called on the federal government to do the needful or be held responsible for any disruption of academic activities in the universities as they embark on the action.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu in Oct. 2023, directed that the university workers that embarked on prolonged strike in 2022 should be paid four months withheld salaries.

The former administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had invoked the “no work, no pay,” policy which meant that the university workers would not be paid salaries within the period they were on strike. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

NAF Alpha jet
Defence/Security

NAF strikes 2 terrorists enclaves in Katsina, Zamfara

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji has conducted air strikes on the enclaves of two terrorists in separate attacks in Katsina and Zamfara.

The first strike on Tuesday targeted terrorist leader Maudi Maudi, south of Tsaskiya in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, it was not clear if Maudi Maudi was killed but several of his gang members were eliminated.

Gabkwet said in a statement on Thursday that a post-strike battle damage assessment revealed the targeted location engulfed in flames, with a few survivors observed fleeing to safety.

“Though several terrorists were eliminated, it remains unconfirmed if Maudi Maudi was among those neutralised,” he added.

Gabkwet also said a similar strike was carried out on Wednesday against terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Na-Shama, of Ussu village, Nasarawar Mailayi District in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He said reliable human intelligence confirmed the neutralisation of several of Na-Shama’s associates and total obliteration of his camp and logistics.

According to him, it is also not confirmed yet if Na-Shama is among the victims.

He said the precision air strikes have been helping to protect civilian lives and destroying terrorists’ bases and logistics.

“This proactive approach aligns with the mission objectives of Operation Hadarin Daji, which majorly focuses on securing the Northwestern region of Nigeria from the menace of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry,” Gabkwet said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NLC constantly calling for living wage for civil servants
General News

Organised Labour suspends strike

By Joan Nwagwu

The organised Labour says it has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike that commenced on Nov. 14.

Emma Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary, confirmed the suspension to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ugboaja said the decision to suspend the action was reached at an emergency virtual joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Ugboaja said that NEC in session agreed to suspend the strike following a plea by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

He said organised labour said it got a commitment from the Nuhu Ribadu-led meeting that those arrested for the physical assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, would be prosecuted.

It would be recalled that organised labour had, on Nov. 13, directed all affiliates to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

The strike was called especially over the alleged “non-action by the Federal Government over the brutalisation of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by security agents and hoodlums in Imo”.

It would be recalled that the NLC had declared a protest in Imo, led by Ajaero on Nov.1, over alleged anti-workers policies by the state government.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Politics

Senate Leader Bamidele urges NLC, TUC to shelve planned strike

 

By Naomi Sharang

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve their planned indefinite strike in  national interest.

 

The senator made the appeal in an independence anniversary message made available by his Media and Public Affairs Directorate in Abuja.

 

Bamidele congratulated Nigerians across all socio-economic and political strata on the 63rd anniversary Nigeria became an independent nation.

 

Bamidele noted that the Federal Government and all its relevant agencies are working underground to come up with viable options in response to the demands of the organised labour.

 

He said that from Oct. 1, 1960 to date, Nigeria, in spite of its internal challenges had remained “a strong, united and indivisible nation that still provides strong leadership not only for West Africa, but also entire Africa.”

 

With the new government at the helms of affairs, Bamidele assured Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that the federation will soon come out of diverse challenges undermining its progress, citing diverse development-driven reforms that the new government had initiated.

 

The senate leader, therefore, urged Nigerians to team up with the new government to lead the federation out of doldrums; implement key reforms that will create limitless opportunities for its teeming young population and rebuild global confidence.

 

He specifically appealed to the leadership of the NLC and TUC not to embark on an indefinite strike in the national interest, saying such an action “will further inflict more pains on Nigerians at the time the new government is working hard to address their concerns and grievances.

 

“At a time like this, labour unions are advised to embrace dialogue rather than consider options that will compound the sufferings of the people.

 

“At a time like this, all parties are supposed to go into negotiation with absolute trust in the new government.”

 

He said that President Tinubu’s economic reforms would soon begin to yield positive outcomes that would exponentially boost the standard of living among Nigerians irrespective of their socio-economic status.

 

The senate leader hailed the founding fathers of Nigeria “for their unalloyed patriotism, towering nationalism, uncommon sacrifice and dogged struggle that culminated in the independence.

 

“As Nigerians, we are under obligation to ensure that the labour of our heroes will never be in vain. I congratulate Nigerians as our nation turns 63 as a strong, united and indivisible nation that the world over is now waiting for to occupy her rightful place among nations,” he said.

 

Bamidele enjoined Nigerians to maximise the opportunity inherent in their comradeship, willful togetherness and collective desire to further travel the journey ahead and make Nigeria a better place to proudly bequeath to the next generation.

 

He reassured all stakeholders that the 10th Senate would continue to make impactful legislations for Nigeria’s common good; under the leadership of the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Judiciary

Refrain from actions capable of undermining subsisting court orders, FG tells labour

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government has called on labour unions to shelve their proposed strike and refrain from actions capable of undermining the subsisting court orders.

It made the call in a letter signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and addressed to Falana’s law firm, counsel to the labour unions.

The letter was copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General, State Security Services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Industrial Court had on June 5 restrained NLC and the TUC, from embarking on any industrial action over the removal of fuel subsidy.

The minister argued that the plan by both labour unions would violate the subsisting order of the court if they embark on the indefinite strike from October 3.

He told the unions to respect the order of the court and allow room for ongoing negotiations between them and the Federal Government.

“These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on June 5 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice.

“We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside”.

Fagbemi noted that it is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.

“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.

“Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress upon the organized labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.

“Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike action.

“The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

CSO opposes NLC planned strike

 

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Civil Society and Workers Dialogue Forum (CSWDF) has expressed its disapproval of the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) scheduled to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The organisation in a statement issued by its Convener, Abubakar Ibrahim and Rafiu Shaibu, Co-convener, Bashir Faisal, in Abuja on Wednesday described the action as an economic sabotage.

It described the planned action as a deliberate mischief given that the NLC is insensitive to its own part of dialogue with the Federal Government over the petrol subsidy removal impasse.

The CSO assured that it would always lend its voice if the NLC decides to toe the path of nobility, embrace dialogue and shelve the strike.

The CSO said the NLC had fully agreed to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which it had earlier advocated for.

It added that “having the subsidy that has been draining government for years removed should be supported by all stakeholders, rather than ‘evil kick’ as it were.”

The group said it acknowledged difficulty faced by Nigerians and explained that the Federal Government had made deft moves in rehabilitating the refineries to reduce the cost of PMS and gas importation.

It added that the recent distribution of palliatives to the tune of N5 billion to each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory is part of efforts to mitigate the effects until things normalise.

It added that no government anywhere in the world derives pleasure in the suffering of its people.

“The wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of the committee, hence we are appalled at what the proposed strike intends to achieve.

“As opposed to the past, the NLC has always been on the negotiation table before any decision was taken by this administration,” the group said.

The CSO recalled that in June 2023, “the labour union was in talks with the Federal Government over fuel subsidy removal without carrying other stakeholders along which we protested our exclusion.

“Having agreed with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, only for the workers union to recant and proposed an indefinite strike is counter-productive and we will mobilise our members across the 36 states and FCT for anti-NLC protest,” the CSO said.

 

It added that the statement should serve as official notice to the Director of State Service, Inspector General of Police and other security agencies, that it is going to mobilise to streets against NLC on Oct. 3.

 

The group said that some states had purchased buses for public transportation and has also added fund to the FG’s offer to them to cushion effects of the subsidy removal in their respective states.

It insisted that the proposed strike is inappropriate thereby calling on citizens not to allow themselves to be used against the genuine interest of government.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NAF Alpha jet
Defence/Security

NAF strikes IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, has destroyed several hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network in Anambra and Imo States.

 

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Gabkwet said the strikes were carried out on Tuesday at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra and Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

 

He said it was part of on efforts aimed at dislocating their nefarious activities while denying them the liberty to carry out their destructive acts and killing sprees on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.

 

According to him, the strikes at both locations achieved their intended outcome and deemed effective.

 

“Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra and other southeastern states.

 

“The air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions.

 

“The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received,” he said.

 

Gabkwet said that other air strikes were also conducted, same day, in close coordination with surface forces at IPOB/ESN hideout camps in Aku Ihube in Imo after detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.

 

He said the air strikes were also authorised to take out the hideout where the targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success.

 

According to him, efforts by the NAF and other security agencies at ensuring all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear or being threatened will continue.

 

“While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements who’s only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Education

Parents decry incessant strikes in FCT public schools

By Uche Bibilari

A cross section of parents in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT has decried the incessant strikes in public schools, saying it is depriving their children the right to education.

 

The parents in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, described the industrial actions as unfortunate and shameful for the sector.

 

NAN reports that the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Chapter,  had on Monday directed its members across the six area councils to embark on an indefinite industrial action.

 

The union gave the directive in a communiqué issued at the end of its emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Gwagwalada.

 

The communiqué jointly  signed by the NUT State chairman, Mr Stephen Knabayi and Secretary, Mrs Margaret Jethro, said that the strike began on Sept. 11.

 

They alleged that the council chairmen had failed to meet their demands which included non-implementation of promotion arrears, non-upgrading of concerned teachers, non-implementation of annual increments, among others.

 

Mr Christopher Onah, an artisan and a father of three said it is heart breaking seeing his children stay at home while others are busy studying.

 

Onah said his income has made it impossible for him to take his children to a private school where they could get quality education.

 

“I feel very sad and unhappy seeing my children at home while their mates are in school, this can make them indulge in anti-social behaviors because they are not occupied meaningfully.

 

“I am pleading with the government to look into the plights of these children so that our children can also go to school, since this is the only option I have.

 

“I am not financially fit to take them to a private school,” Onah said.

 

Also, Mrs Aishat Sule, a petty trader and mother of five said she was excited knowing that the holiday was over, only for her hope to be dashed after hearing that LEA primary schools teachers are on strike.

 

Sule said the issue of strike in the country had become so rampant that the government appears not ready to listen to the complaints of these teachers.

 

“This strikes have become everyday thing, by the time they resume now they will want to rush these children and at the end of the day, they might end up not covering what they are supposed to cover for the session.

 

“These children are still going to write the same common entrance examination with their counterparts in the private schools, how do they want them to perform when they are always on strike.

 

“Government schools are supposed to be the best schools because this will discourage people from going to private schools, but with all these strikes, it is not so.

 

“Government should please help the poor masses and give our children quality education,” she said.

 

However, Mrs Blessing Haruna, a teacher said that the strike became imperative as they could no longer work under harsh economy without pay.

 

“This thing has lingered for too long. I think is time we fought it and get it right, we keep working without pay. I really feel for these innocent children and their parents.

 

“The government should look into the education sector and address its challenges because no country can grow its economy without education especially basic education,” Haruna said.

 

Mr Mohammed Yakubu, another teacher described the attitude of government towards basic education teachers in FCT is unfair.

 

Yakubu said all concerned parties should proffer lasting solutions to the issue of incessant strikes by granting the request of teachers for the children to go back to class. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Julius Toba-Jegede

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