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SSANU Threatens Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Others
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has threatened to resume its strike from July 4th, 2024, accusing the Federal Government of exacerbating divisions within the tertiary education system.
The SSANU expressed frustration over the non-payment of four months’ salaries that were withheld by the government during the strike period of its sister union, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
These issues, alongside other challenges facing the tertiary education sector, were central topics at SSANU’s 48th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Benin, Edo State, last weekend.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), consisting of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), had previously issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to settle the salary arrears.
SSANU criticized the government for selectively paying ASUU while neglecting the other three university-based unions that participated in the 2022 strike.
With the ultimatum set to expire on July 4th, SSANU has now renewed its strike notice, citing unresolved grievances over salary payments and other outstanding issues.
According to a communique issued, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU is scheduled to convene on the mentioned date to assess the government’s response to their ultimatum and coordinate a unified stance regarding service withdrawal.
SSANU, in the statement signed by its President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, accuses the government of displaying insensitivity and intentionally fostering discord within the university system through a divide-and-rule strategy.
The communique read, “NEC in session once again expresses utmost dismay at the unprecedented level of Government’s insensitivity and deliberate resolve to cause chaos in the university system by adopting the divide and rule policy to set unions on a collision course through preferential treatment of one union over others.
“Recall SSANU and other unions were compelled by government to embark on strike in 2022 over the refusal to honour a Collective Bargaining Agreement willingly signed by all parties.
“At the end of the strike, the then (Muhammadu) Buhari government further signed an elaborate agreement among which was the non victimization clause. However, government made a selective payment of the withheld salaries.
“While we do not begrudge the payment made to our colleagues, we expected same gesture to be extended to SSANU and NASU that legally complied with all procedures before embarking on the Industrial action.
Despite all promises and media hypes by the Ministers of Education and Labour, including the House of Representatives to pay these arrears, Government has continued to dribble SSANU, even after the mutual agreement to suspend the one week warning strike in March this year.
“NEC in session deliberated on the matter and unanimously approved a long drawn comprehensive industrial action after concurrence with the Joint Action Committee meeting of SSANU and NASU scheduled for Thursday 4th July, 2024, if Government fails to pay the four months salary arrears.”
SSANU has also criticized the government’s approved wage award of N35,000 intended to mitigate the impact of the halted fuel subsidy, which has exacerbated financial strains.
They highlighted that the wage award has been discontinued in Federal Universities, leaving three months of arrears unpaid.
The association pointed out that several states have yet to implement the wage award for their members in state universities, aggravating their financial hardships.
SSANU called on the Federal Government to promptly reinstate the wage award payments and settle the outstanding three months arrears without further delay.
Additionally, it also called upon state governments that have not yet initiated payments of the approved wage award to promptly begin disbursing the funds, including any accumulated arrears.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
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“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.
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