As Muslims join their counterparts across the world to observe the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) are lamenting their unpaid salaries.
The Chairperson, ASUU UniAbuja branch, Sylvanus Ugoh, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, condemned the illegal stoppage of its members salaries by authorities of the institution.
The institution’s branch of ASUU, which has been on strike for 41 days, has vowed not to suspend its action.
Ugor said the action by the school’s authorities which was meant to break its rank, had rather made it stronger.
The Chairperson, in a statement tagged “Day 41 Strike Update”, had directed branches to brace up by mobilising themselves in the weeks ahead.
Ugoh accused the University administration of writing to the Accountant General of the Federation’s office to illegally stop ASUU members’ salaries in order to deter them and divert their attention from their legitimate struggle.
According to him, “All the authorities concerned are in the know of this illegality.”
He explained that its National Executive Council (NEC) held between June 7 and 8 commended members tenacity, resoluteness and doggedness in the ongoing struggle even at the face of extreme hostilities and harshness.
“The major focus of the NEC was the state of the national struggle among others, the Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, all the backlog of EAA and all the outstanding salaries.
“Branches are directed to mobilise themselves in the weeks ahead. For us in Uniabuja, we have never been found lagging behind in any action. We are already standing gallant and mobilised,” he said.
He noted that members were already on the path of victory, saying “and because of these prevailing harsh situations and no salaries, our congress will hold later in the days ahead.
“We will overcome and prevail by the grace of God. God will surely provide for you.
“Remain resolute and focussed. Victory is sure! “A people united can not be defeated,” “he reassured.
Recall that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) who have been working in spite the ongoing strike by ASUU, are also affected in the non-payment of salaries by the university authorities.