ASUU accuses Buhari govt of blackmail, gives update on strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has accused the Federal Government of blackmail and propaganda.

ASUU made the remark while accusing the Federal Government of reneging on plans to review the draft Renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

In a statement titled, ‘Enough of blackmail’, and signed by its president, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU vowed to continue fighting for the welfare of lecturers.

The body also postponed its decision on strike because consultations were still ongoing.

ASUU reiterated that the Federal Government had failed to address all the issues raised in the 2009 agreements.

The statement reads partly: “NEC was worried by the spirited efforts of government agents to reduce the demands of ASUU to a regime of intermittent payment of watered-down revitalisation fund and release of distorted and grossly devalued Earned Academic Allowances.

“ASUU shall not relent in demanding improvement in the welfare and conditions of service of our members. However, we shall resist any attempt to blackmail the union and derail our patriotic struggle for a productive university system by official propaganda founded on tokenism and crumb-sharing.

“However, considering the ongoing intervention and consultation efforts, NEC resolved to review the situation at a later date with a view to deciding on the next line of action.”