The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (ASUU MOUAU), has condemns in strong terms the unwarranted victimization, intimidation and persecution being meted to our colleagues (ASUU members) in some universities such as Kogi State University (KSU), Anyimgba; Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO); Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam; Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki; Lagos State University (LASU) Ojoo and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma among others, where our members have been unjustly sacked and their salaries withheld for inexplicable reasons.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Michael Chikezie Ugwuene
Chairperson and Comrade Charles Efe Osodeke, the union is particularly worried about the undue delay of judgment by the court in the case of her members that were illegally sacked at the Kogi State University Anyimgba for seven years now, thereby subjecting them to untold hardship.
It also condemns
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and her cohorts allegedly continue persecution and torment of members at the branch for their unwaivering stand against the illegal promotion of Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami to the rank of Professor. The Vice Chancellor unjustifiable stoppage of Union leaders from attending statutory meetings of Senate and University committees are clear cases of victimization and intimidation.
Withholding of salaries of ASUU faithful members at COOU Igbariam for up to 12 months, suspension of members who opposed violations of academic standards by the university authority is regrettable and absolutely unacceptable.
The university administration also locked up the Union’s Secretariat and prevented members from holding Congress, meeting, etc. at COOU.
ASUU is also disturbed at the situation in Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Abakaliki, where the university administration rather than implement the court judgment which was in favour of our union is now prolonging legal actions by appealing the judgment. Justice delayed is justice denied.
ASUU MOUAU is using this medium to reaffirm her support to ASUU NEC in condemning the obnoxious and faceless actions of the university administrations where our union members are subjected to all kinds of inhumane treatment, victimization and persecution.
“While commending the steadfastness of our victimized lecturers in the affected branches and urging them to remain resolute, ASUU MOUAU calls on the Visitors and stakeholders to tue affected universities to urgently wade into the situation and resolve all the lingering issues being perpetrated by the Vice Chancellors in the interest of peace.
“ASUU is solidly behind her members being persecuted in the affected universities for injury to one is injury to all.”it concludes.