ASUU Strike: Some Student Kidnappers - NLC Leader

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Enugu State branch, joined the nationwide protest on Tuesday in solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has been on strike since February 14 .

ASUU and other unions in the education sector have gone on strike over the government's alleged failure to honor an agreement reached with the union on better social protection for its members and more funding for universities.

Although industrial action began with a four-week warning strike, ASUU continued to extend the strike each time the warning period expired.

The union's solidarity protest in Enugu began at the NLC state office near New Market in the Enugu North local government area of ​​the state.

Armed police officers were seen guarding the protest which caused a heavy traffic jam in the metropolis of Enugu.

The protesters, led by NLC State Chairman, Virginus Nwobodo, marched to Government House, Enugu, where they were received by State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and d other state government officials.

Mr. Nwobodo told the governor that they were at the secretariat asking him to convey their concerns and displeasure to President Muhammadu Buhari regarding the ongoing industrial action by ASUU.

The labor leader said it was regrettable that the Nigerian government is playing with education in the country despite its importance in the development of society.

“Not having our children in school is dangerous. Some of these children have turned into kidnappers. Some are engaging in forms of crime,” he said.

"As I speak to you, ASUU members are hungry. Many ASUU members have been driven from their homes because they can no longer pay their rents and utility bills. »

Some of the protesters who spoke at the secretariat expressed frustration with the federal government's alleged lack of commitment and silence in ending the strike.

They have accused Mr. Buhari's administration of impoverishing the education sector since he came to power in 2015.

READ ALSO: ASUU Strike: Protesting NLC Members Deliver Message to Governor Emmanuel

In response, Mr. Ugwuanyi assured protesters that he would convey their message to the president.

He noted that the state government has always recognized education as the foundation of society.

The governor, represented by state government secretary Simon Ortuanya, praised the protesters for being peaceful.

“Our job, as you have pointed out, is to continue to engage the Federal Government to ensure that there is a peaceful and amicable resolution of all contentious issues between the Federal Government and ASUU ", he said.

Speaking to reporters at the protest, union president Mr. Nwobodo said the ASUU had shown sufficient consideration and understanding in its disagreement with the government.

“This is just a warning to the Federal Government. To show that we are not happy. After this action, if they continue and do not settle with the ASUU, they will withdraw our services nationwide,” he said.

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