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ASUU Issues Fresh Demands Ahead Of FG’s Council Inauguration

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the immediate dissolution of university governing councils prior to their scheduled July 4 inauguration.

Members of ASUU at Nnamdi Azikiwe University protested by demonstrating with placards on Tuesday, citing concerns over procedural irregularities in the appointments and urging President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the decision.

UNIZIK ASUU chairman Kingsley Uboji emphasized in a media interview that it is unlawful to dissolve existing governing councils whose tenures have not yet ended.

He said, “Our union condemns the dissolution of the former governing councils without due process. Governing councils are crucial for the governance and strategic direction of our universities. Therefore, the illegal and arbitrary dissolution of the governing council whose tenures have not ended undermines Nigerian universities’ autonomy and smooth functioning.

“This cannot be tolerated as it lays a very bad precedence. Even the membership of the said newly reconstituted councils is problematic. A critical look at the list of the newly constituted governing councils shows that it is made up of very old politicians who do not understand the academic system and its administrative processes.

“Our public universities should not be a retirement home for politicians. We therefore call on the Tinubu-led government to do the needful by reversing its decision on the university governing councils dissolution.”

Uboji also urged President Bola Tinubu to address pressing issues regarding the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the federal government.

He emphasized the need for renegotiation of the agreement, implementation of the Nimi Briggs report, and funding for the revitalization of public universities as per the FGN-ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013, and the MoA of 2017.

The union also demanded the release of 3½ months of withheld salaries, payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), resolution of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical and adjunct positions due to IPPIS issues, release of third-party deductions, adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) instead of IPPIS, and implementation of recommendations from university visitation panels.

He said “As you are aware, many of these issues have outlived successive governments without any resolution, and other issues have been created by consecutive governments as well, like the implementation of the IPPIS, which came with the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“Historically, the government has made commitments and signed agreements with ASUU, detailing timelines and expectations of both parties aimed at developing the Nigerian Universities as conditions for suspending any strike action.

He added “But as soon as lecturers resumed work, the government and other stakeholders returned to status quo. ASUU would again start writing letters and reminders to the government, which were most often ignored, resulting in another strike action by ASUU.

 

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NEWS

Nationwide Protest Looms As Nigerians Call For Tinubu’s Resignation

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In a significant act of digital activism, the hashtags #Tinubumustgo and #EndBadGovernance2024 have surged to the top of X’s trending topics, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership.

A striking image bearing the message “End bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” has become the emblem of this growing movement, demanding the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and advocating for improved governance across the nation.

The protest urges Nigerians from all tribes, religions, and regions to join, highlighting a collective effort to tackle the country’s challenges.

Uproar As Angry Nigerians Ignite ‘#TinubuMustGo’ Campaign On Social Media

Recall that President Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for years.

However, his presidency has faced substantial criticism, with major issues like persistent economic difficulties, widespread insecurity, and the high cost of living driving public discontent.

These hashtags have united Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, resonating with a shared frustration with the current situation.

Social media platforms have been flooded with posts calling for change as one user tweeted, “Nigeria deserves better leadership. #TinubuMustGo,” while another wrote, “End bad governance now! #EndBadGovernance2024.”

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Judiciary Under Fire After Reinstating Pro-Wike Lawmakers

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The appellate court in Abuja has overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from serving as state assembly lawmakers.

The decision came from a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, who ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that the case should be addressed by a federal high court.

Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his colleagues appealed a Port Harcourt High Court order prohibiting them from acting as legislators.

Rivers Political Turmoil: Pendulum Swings In Favour Wike’s Camp

On May 30, High Court Judge Charles Wali issued an order preventing the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sessions, including within legislative quarters.

Judge Wali also barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.

The lawsuit was initiated by Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with legislators Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, all supporters of Governor Fubara.

The High Court declared that all laws enacted by Amaewhule and his faction would be invalid until the case was resolved.

In their appeal, Amaewhule and his group sought to overturn the lower court’s judgment and invalidate the actions taken by Jumbo’s faction.

The appellate court’s ruling now allows Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume their legislative duties, pending further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has strongly criticized and rejected the appellate court’s verdict, arguing that it gives politicians a free pass to switch parties without facing consequences.

The coalition’s executive director, Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, condemned the Court of Appeal’s decision, likening it to legitimizing illegal actions and asserting that lawmakers cannot be allowed to exploit laws they disregard.

He said “The Appeal Court has now created new complications with the judicial precedence it has set instead of giving rulings that stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the rule of law.”

The group urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, asserting that the judgment would not stand the test of time.

They emphasized that democratic-minded stakeholders in the state have indicated plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure the will of the people is respected.

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LP Drops, Regrets Naming Mike Igini In Electoral Reform Committee

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The Labour Party (LP) has expressed regrets at naming Mike Igini as a member of its electoral reform committee, dropping him in the same breadth.

This was detailed in a statement issued on Thursday on the verified X handle of the party under the signature of its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.

The party also promised to name Igini’s replacement at the inauguration of the committee.

NLC Storms Labour Party HQ, Demands Abure’s Resignation

He wrote, “This is to inform members of the public that there is a slight adjustment to the composition of the Electoral Reform Committee membership

“Mike Igini’s name was mistakenly included earlier as a member of the committee. We have however dropped his name and his replacement will be announced during the inauguration of the committee coming up very soon. We regret this mix up and has since tendered apologies to this very well respected Nigerian.”

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