A massive protest is underway in Abuja as members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) demand the release of their four months’ unpaid salaries and the reevaluation of the 2010 agreement with the Federal Government.
The protest, which is being held at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, has seen a heavy security presence, with several protesters prevented from entering the venue by security personnel.
However, the gate has since been opened, and the demonstrators have used their trucks to block the entrance to the Unity Fountain.
The protesters are calling for the release of their four months’ unpaid salaries and the reevaluation of the 2010 agreement with the Federal Government, among other requests.
“We cannot allow such behavior to go unchecked,” said one of the protesters. We have been patient enough, and it is time for the government to take action.”
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the affected staff to receive their four-month salaries, SSANU and NASU members allege that they have not been paid, unlike ASUU members.
“This is clear tyranny of a cabal,” said another protester. “We will not be silenced until our demands are met.”
Both unions have urged their members to participate in a nationwide protest on July 9 at all state chapters, with a subsequent national protest planned for Abuja today.