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Withheld salaries: Uncertainty as ASUU rejects FG’s offer
University workers affiliated with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are facing ongoing challenges in receiving their withheld salaries resulting from last year’s extended strike. Despite losing a legal battle against the federal government over the withheld salaries, the union’s pursuit for resolution continues.
Following an eight-month strike in 2022, ASUU’s attempt to recover salaries was dismissed by the National Industrial Court, which granted the federal government an interlocutory injunction to halt the strike pending a substantive suit. When members returned to work in November, they were surprised by the payment of only half salaries for 18 working days in October, in adherence to the government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
In a separate lawsuit filed in June, ASUU contested the discriminatory treatment of its members, comparing it to other unions that received salaries during industrial actions. However, the recent court ruling deemed the case an abuse of court process and awarded a fine of N500,000 payable by ASUU to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a partial waiver of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ order, allowing ASUU members to receive four months of withheld salary, the union remains resistant. They argue that signing the agreement would be akin to accepting ‘slavery,’ emphasizing the government’s failure to prioritize education funding.
The ASUU UNN branch chairman, Comrade Nobert Oyibo Eze, criticized the government’s approach, highlighting the discrepancy between funding for politicians’ privileges and the neglect of essential sectors like education. He emphasized the dire consequences for the country if the courts fail to uphold justice and warned that without salary payments, the university system’s functionality would be compromised.
Eze criticized the government’s failure to address the core issues that led to the strike, such as inadequate salaries and outdated negotiation terms since 2009. He called for a genuine commitment to improving the education system to prevent ongoing strikes and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of workers over political interests.
The Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described allegations by the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, that he was inciting other governors against accepting N70,000 minimum wage as false.
Comrade Ajaero made the accusation during an interview on national TV.
In a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo denied that he was running an anti-workers government in Anambra, while also listing his numerous achievements for workers in the state.
According to the statement: “The state government wishes to categorically debunk these allegations.
“In fact, at no time did Governor Soludo incite or influence other state governors against paying the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.
“The government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has enjoyed a smooth and cordial relationship with the labour leaders in Anambra State, even as at the time of issuing this statement, no letter of notice of industrial action has been received by the state government.”
Governor Soludo urged NLC and all workers in the state to disregard such allegations and recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.
He said the proposed strike was unnecessary and counterproductive at this juncture, as it might seem like the NLC leadership is being politically influenced by desperate external actors to orchestrate an artificial industrial crisis in Anambra State.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, founder of MedContour Services, for a botched plastic surgery that led to the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. Justice Mohammed Liman sentenced her to one year in prison but offered an alternative of a ₦100,000 fine.
Babatunde Irukera, former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), expressed his satisfaction with the verdict on his X handle. He wrote, “Today is a proud day for me as I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Although I have left, the conviction underscores the importance of accountability for everyone in society, professionals included. This is how society should function and evolve. Anu Adepoju and her practice were convicted on all five counts charged by FCCPC. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but perseverance is key. A good day for consumers of professional services.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, emphasizing that this practice is illegal and could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The NCC warned that individuals using pre-registered SIM cards might unintentionally become involved in crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Furthermore, the NCC noted that pre-registered SIM cards compromise the accuracy of consumer information and hinder efforts to track criminals effectively. Using these SIM cards undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the true criminals.
The NCC’s message aims to educate the public on the risks associated with pre-registered SIM cards and to encourage adherence to legal guidelines to enhance national security.
Minimum wage: Soludo tackles Ajaero, denies inciting other governors
Lagos court jails medical doctor, Anuoluwapo Adepoju over failed plastic surgery
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