By Halimah Olamide
The national headquarters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has directed on its zonal officers to ask members to proceed on a nationwide industrial action.
The union said this was in line with the decision of the highest decision making body of the union to align with the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress over the declaration of a nationwide strike.
The strike was ordered over attacks on the president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo state capital three weeks ago. The presidency, last night however said the workers unions would be engaging in contempt of court should they go on a strike. NPO Reports that the National Industrial Court had ruled that the labour cannot go on strike.
The letter which was signed by ASUU’s National Pesident, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, was issued on Monday night.
The letter read, “The Nigeria Labour Congress at a Joint National Executive Council of NLC and TUC directed all affiliate unions to commence withdrawal of services with effect from 12 midnight today November 13, 2023.
“As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. “Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action. A people united, cannot be defeated.”