News
Benue varsity joins SSANU, NASU strike
By Francesca Hangeior
The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union of Joseph Sawuan Tarka University Makurdi, formerly Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, joined their counterparts nationwide on a seven-day warning strike on Monday.
The two unions commenced the strike after an emergency congress held on Monday, March 18, 2024.
According to a letter jointly signed by the chairpersons of the unions, Kpamor Ruth and Saa Girgi Moses, SSAN and NASU said JAC waited patiently till the expiration of the ultimatum without positive response to the demands of the unions.
“Consequently, JAC directed her members in the universities and inter-university centres nationwide to commence a seven-day warning strike effective Monday, 18th March, 2024 in the first instance,” the letter read in parts.
The unions, in the letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university tagged “Commencement of A-7 Day JAC Nationwide Warning Strike,” therefore craved the indulgence of the university management to understand with SSANU and NASU JOSTUM Branch as they embark on the warning strike.
The union cited some of the issues driving the strike, including “Renegotiation of 2009 Federal Government/SSANU agreement, reconstitution of governing councils of universities, payment of four months withheld salaries, the release of earned allowances, and improved funding of our universities.”
The Secretary of SSANU, Festus Omemu, who spoke to journalists, condemned the government’s failure to implement its agreements with the unions, especially as it concerns withheld salaries and funding of the institutions.
He said, “The Federal Government is not funding the universities. We have to fund the universities. These are people, in their own time, when they went to the universities, they were treated like special candidates, giving them food and other things free and before they finished, some of them had appointments already waiting for them with cars.”
Omemu faulted the government for not fulfilling its agreement, saying, “This is the first time in the history of the university system, especially since some of us joined, that it is heard that a union went on strike and their salaries were withheld without paying them.
“When they withheld ASUU salary and ours, many people died because of the economic situation. We lost many professors, and many of our staff died because they had health issues and were on medication. They couldn’t afford it, and they had no options and died.
“This means that the government is killing people without weapons, using hardship to kill people without using arms. They are killing people and saying we should not cry. The government is not doing the right thing.
“We are already on strike for seven days, and at the end of it, if the Federal Government fails, we will go into indefinite strike.”
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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