From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Comr Linus Akata, the newly elected Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) chapter, has pledged to make workers’ welfare a priority in his administration.
Akata made the pledge in Nsukka on Friday in his acceptance speech shortly after being elected and inaugurated together with other executive members during the Quadrennial Congress of the Union.
He took over from Comr. Paul Erua whose 11 years tenure had ended. Erua had served three years as a caretaker Chairman, four years each for the first and second tenures as UNN-SSANU Chairman.
Akata expressed appreciation to members of UNN-SSANU for finding him worthy to pilot the affairs of the association for the next four years and pledged that his administration would make workers’ welfare and interest a priority.
“I am humbled and excited about the confidence members have in me to elect me unopposed as their Chairman.
“Since November 2023, selling of intention forms of this election started, according to the Electoral Committee final report today, I am the only person that purchased the form for chairmanship,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the team from the SSANU National Secretariat led by Comr. Ken Njoku the National Vice-president South East who came to supervise the election, for their commitment to ensuring the exercise was free and fair.
Akata who was the immediate past Treasurer said he would continue to be grateful to Erua whom he had worked closely and learnt much from his good leadership.
In a remark, Njoku said the highlight of the SSANU Quadrennial congress was to elect new executives.
The VP thanked members of UNN-SSANU for making the job of his team easier.
“Final report from Election Committee chaired by Comr.Martain Arumede showed only one candidate picked for each form of the electable positions like Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial secretary among others.
“I commend the unity and maturity of UNN-SSANU that has made easier the assignment of my team from SSANU National Secretarate and urged other branches of SSANU in the country to emulate UNN.
“The new executive elected and inaugurated today should reciprocate this gesture by carrying everybody along as well as making workers welfare a priority.
“I also commend the immediate past executives led by Erua for his numerous achievements as contained in his stewardship report ,’ Njoku said.
Earlier in a valedictory remark, Erua thanked members of SSANU in UNN for the corporation and support given to his 11 years administration, three years as caretaker,four years each for first and second tenure.
The immediate past Chairman listed some some of his achievements to include; hosting of SSANU National Delegates Conference, complete payments of Pharmacy shop building and Filling Station on the basis of Built Operate Transfer (BOT).
Ensured the review of scheme of service for non-teaching staff in UNN, bought Highlander car for UNN-SSANU to ease logistics, facilitated the payment of N30,000 monthly hazard allowance to over 500 members, among others.
The new executives elected were: Mr Linus Akata, Chairman, Mr. Samuel Okoh, Vice Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ozioko, Secretary, Mr. Chukwuma Nwagwu, Treasurer, Mr.Ejike Egwuagu – Financial Secretary.
Others are Mr. Charles Akan, Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Blessing Obi Assistant Secretary, Mr, James Nwachukwu, Ex- Officio, Mr. Friday Nweke Trustee and Mrs Mercy Ilechukwu Woman Coordinator.