From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Members of the organised labour unions in Delta State on Tuesday joined their counterparts across the country on a protest in solidarity with striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The unions under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), marched through major streets of Asaba, the state capital, to the Government House.
Dressed in various branded shirts, they decried the non-challant attitude of the Federal Government to the demands of ASUU which has resulted in the five-month strike by the lecturers.
They also chanted solidarity songs, displaying few placards and banner with the inscription ‘Enough is Enough’ ‘End ASUU Strike Now’ among others.
Speaking on behalf of the state chairman of NLC, Goodluck Ofobroku, the first vice chairman, Comrade Osita Okwudi lamented the lingering strike in the nation.
He observed that despite the state universities that are not in strike, ASUU strike had crippled tertiary education in the country.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to accede to the demands of university lecturers to allow students return to their classrooms.
“If no compliance by the Federal Government at the end of the solidarity exercises, labour will be forced to shut down the nation’s economy,” Okwudi said.
Addressing the protesters at the Government House gate, Secretary to State Government, Patrick Ukah expressed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s governor’s support to ensure universities are reopen nationwide for commencement of academic activities.