From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar zone, yesterday, protested an alleged victimisation of its members in Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and other universities within the zone.
The universities are; Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Federal University, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and University of Uyo (UNIUYO).
The Union members from the zone called for an end to victimisation of the lectures in the universities.
Mrs. Happiness Uduk, Coordinator of ASUU, Calabar zone, said the rally was part of the event marking the victimised lecturer’s day.”
Uduk added that the move was targeted at sustainable peace between staff, government and the university management in the various institutions.
Uduk noted that some of the affected members were in Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University and Abia State University (ABSU), among others.
The coordinator decried the way academic staff have suffered victimisation, including denial of suspension, promotion, unpaid salaries and sack.
“We are here to show solidarity with our EBSU branch, and protest the unwarranted victimisation of our members in the branch.
“Pained by the intimidation and victimisation of our members who are fighting for positive outcomes in the Nigerian universities, we are here to speak for the interest of peace.
“We, therefore, call for the reinstatement of the 120 academic staff of Kogi State University, who have been dismissed illegally for over seven years, from 2017 till date.
“They were sacked for participating in a legitimate action, demanding better welfare for members, especially payment of backlog of salaries and allowances, proper funding, university autonomy and academic freedom.
“In EBSU, many infractions have been experienced by a handful of our members which include victimisation of ASUU-EBSU staff.
“The EBSU branch chairperson, Ikechuku Igwenyi, was suspended. He has been denied his professorial promotion due since 2017 and is banned from the institution’s premises, though existential aspects of his life are tied to the campus.
“Some others were suspended and placed on half salary without due process and fair hearing as academic staff members and as stipulated in the conditions of service of EBSU and the Miscellaneous Act 2003 (as amended). Idenyi and Igwenyi have remained suspended without trial for 34 months.
“The union frowns at this severe victimisation and calls on the university administration to toe the path of peace and recall its members, while ensuring the immediate payment of their entitlements,” the coordinator stated.
The EBSU-ASUU chairman, Igwenyi, also begged for his reinstatement and payment of his salaries.
“The EBSU should allow the union in the university to operate and function like other universities across the country,” he advised.
