Despite the apprehension that gripped the Nations capital over threats by the insurgents the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affilliate unions took over the premises of the National Assembly Wednesday, protesting against the five months old continue strike by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU)
ASUU and the federal government have been at loggerheads over the 2009 pact which has led to the current five months strike.
When the NLC announced it was joining ASUU to protest against the government over the incessant strike and lack of regards for the public schools in the country, there were security reports warning the union not to go ahead with the protest.
While they were at the national assembly, the Nigeria workers said they are giving the government two weeks to resolve the strike or face a total shutdown of the country failure for which they will give three days warning strike.
The National President of the NLC, Ayuba Waba, said the protest was held against security advice adding that the government has money to fix the education system in the country.
“After the timeline, if there are no results, we will gather and determine what to do next.
“We want to replace the inconsistent IPPIS with the U3PS payment platform for all universities; Respect/honour collective bargaining agreements that were freely and mutually reached with the union.
“Fast-track the regeneration of 2009 agreement with SSANU; Improve funding for both Federal and State Universities; Implement the monthly payment of Earned Allowances and complete the payment of the arrears owed since 2012; Release the White Papers of the Visitation Panels; Properly reintegrate Staff School Teachers and pay their arrears and End the usurpation of non-teaching positions by teaching staff,” the union said in a letter transmitted to both chambers of the national assembly.
He said, “The national assembly is a parliament of the Nigerian people, is a parliament that represent every constituency, is a parliament that is representative, is a parliament that will receive our complaints. “Everywhere round the world the parliament is supposed to be for the people, they are supposed to enact laws for the people. They are supposed to speak for the people. All of us are from one constituency or the other.
“I am from Askira Ayuba, Local Government in Borno State. I therefore have a representative. I am also from a senatorial district, I have my senator here, same with all of you.”
The National President of Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Asefon Sunday from Ekiti State University said had met with the senate President who promised to wade in however promises were made now remaining implementation.
Speaking after receiving the NLC letter on behalf of the Senate, the Senate deputy leader, Sen Boroface Ajayi, said the Senate has been interfacing with the ASUU and the executive adding that with the involvement of NLC, the matter will soon be resolved.
“The Senate is with you. We are here for you. We’ve held meetings with ASUU and the executive but the students are still out of school for five months. I have confirmed receive the letter and we will act on it, ” Ajayi said.
Also speaking, Sen Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) said for the president of the NLC to partner with ASUU on the protest sent a strong message.
“We have work and discuss it extensively. We are here with you, all of us are speaking with one voice condemning this strike.
“With this letter, we will work very hard and give impetus to this struggle so that students and the lecturers will go back to school, ” Utazi said.