The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that parents, guardians, and other Nigerians should not blame the union for any strike actions that may occur following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.

The union emphasized that, despite its efforts to foster positive industrial relations in public universities, the Federal Government has not taken the necessary steps to address the issues at hand.

In a statement signed by Bauchi Zonal Coordinator Namo Timothy Aku, ASUU noted that its National Executive Council (NEC) met at the University of Ibadan on August 17-18, 2024, and subsequently issued a 21-day ultimatum for the government to resolve ongoing disputes, or risk a shutdown of the university system. This ultimatum was communicated to the government through the Minister of Education and expired on September 14, 2024.

Key unresolved issues include the completion of negotiations regarding the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the release of three-and-a-half months of unpaid salaries for academic staff, payment of outstanding salaries for adjunct faculty, the release of third-party deductions, and funding for the revitalization of public universities.

Other points of contention include the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) as stipulated in the 2023 Federal Government Appropriation, the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the unlawful dissolution of Governing Councils, and the replacement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments.

During a review meeting on September 19, 2024, ASUU leadership noted that the government has failed to implement agreements and directives related to the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, including exiting universities from the IPPIS, despite a presidential directive and a court order.

The government has also not acted on the recommendations of visitation panels or amended the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to halt the unchecked establishment of public universities without proper funding.

ASUU expressed concern over the government’s use of delaying tactics and a lack of budgetary provisions, despite funds being appropriated in the 2023 budget for EAA and university revitalization. The union questioned why academic staff have not been transitioned out of the IPPIS system, despite a presidential directive.

The union argued that claims of insufficient funding are unfounded, as the Federation Account has seen increased revenues following the removal of oil subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira. They attributed the issues to a lack of prioritization and political will.

ASUU regretted the government’s failure to engage constructively in addressing these matters and has decided to issue another 14-day ultimatum starting Monday, September 23, 2023, for the government to resolve all outstanding issues. The union emphasized that it should not be held accountable for any disruptions after this period.

A Kano State High Court, on Wednesday, fixed October 10, for ruling in an interlocutory application seeking to restrain the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, from renovating the Nassarawa Mini Palace.

The applicants are the Kano State Government, Attorney General of Kano and Kano Emirate Council, through their counsel Rilwanu Umar SAN, filed a motion exparte dated September 12, 2024.

The applicants are seeking the court to restrain Ado-Bayero, from renovating Nasarawa mini palace situated along State Road Kano.

While Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, is the sole respondent in the suit.

When the case came up for hearing in the motion on notice, Counsel to the applicants, Habib Akilu, told the court that the defendant was not represented and the substantive suit was ripe for hearing.

Akilu moved the interlocutory application seeking to restrain the defendant from reconstructing or changing the mini palace.

The presiding Judge and Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, adjourned the matter until October 10, for ruling and mention of the substantive suit.

Abdu-Aboki ordered that all processes should be pasted on the notice board of the court.

The court had on September 13, granted an order of Interim Injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction in whatever manner from demolishing, renovating and repairing.

“Reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice”

The court also directed parties in the suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the palace pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has issued a stern warning to intending protesters against unlawful acts during the planned protest.

He gave the warning during a town hall meeting with stakeholders and security agencies organised by the Lagos Police Command on Friday in Ikeja, Lagos.

Some groups of people are said to be planning a nationwide protest slated for October 1 over challenges being faced in the country.

Ishola assured Lagos residents of police presence to maintain safety and order during planned protests.

“We are not stopping anybody from protesting, it is your legitimate

Right. We will protect all so that miscreants do not hijack it, ” he said.

The police boss said that the command would live up to its mandate of ensuring that no group or individual would be allowed to create chaos or destroy property in the state.

Ishola, however, said the proposed October 1 protest would be restricted to only one location in Lagos State.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Department of State Service in Lagos State, Dapo Amao, said that it is the right of citizens to protest or express their displeasure against government but it must be done in a civilised way.

He said that there is a need to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums, who are prepared to breach law and order and cause destruction in the state.

“We will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure lives and property are secured. We will provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive and make sure that things do not get out of hand,” he said.

CREDIT: DAILY POST