By Caleb Ishaya, Abuja
Joint Action Committee, JAC, of non-teaching staff unions of universities has directed Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike as from today.
The strike is to press for the non-payment of four months withheld salaries from when they joined an industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, during the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a circular to all branch Chairman of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, entitle: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four months salaries”, the JAC recalls that the strike initially billed for October 23 was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
According to the circular which was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, the change in timing was for effective coordination and for both unions.
The circular indicated that “It is on record that the JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday October 23 and Thursday 24, 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded.
“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to midnight of Sunday, October 27, 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.
“We had to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.
“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured”.
Meanwhile, the JAC chairman and secretary, during interaction with reporters said that the strike action was as a result of the policy of ‘no work, no pay’ of the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of his Minister of Labour , Dr Chris Ngige; and the inability of the present government to pay it . But you would agree with us that government is a continuum all over the world and the good things is that the government transitioned from APC to APC, so there is no room for excuses , the secretary said.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the unions authorities have written letters to the administration of President Tinubu demanding for the payment of the four months withheld salaries but to no avail. Efforts by our correspondent to hear from the Minister of Labour for State proves abortive as calls put across relevant officials in the Ministry weren’t answered nor returned as at the time of going to press. If the government didn’t salvage the situation, it may affect the academic calendar of students in public universities and the struggling parents .
