Asuu Strike: NLC Takes Protest To National Assembly
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday continued its nationwide protest in Abuja over the prolonged strike by university workers across the country.
The peaceful protest began from the Unity fountain straight down to the national assembly, with the leadership of students, members of NLC, ASUU, SSANU, ASUP, COEASU, NAAT, NUPENG, NANS, National Youth Council of Nigeria as well as members of the civil society organizations.
The protesters were seen carrying different placards calling on the government to meet their demands and respect the collective bargaining agreement that was freely and mutually reached with ASUU and other unions.
At the protest, Nigeria police arrested some hoodlums who disguised as men of the Nigeria union of petroleum and natural gas workers (Nupeng), and infiltrated the group to hijack the peaceful protest.
The National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ayuba Wabba described the protest as a wakeup call and a clarion call adding that there would be no going back on its proposed national strike if the Federal Government fails to resolve the ongoing strike action in universities and other tertiary institutions.
The ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke regretted that the federal government has failed to honour the agreement it had with the union in 2009.
The Country Director of Action Aid, Ene Obi, said the government has failed on virtually all fronts. She said that the present administration does not value or place any premium on the education system nor the lives and property of its citizen.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who was represented by Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Robert Borrfice, assured the protesters that the National Assembly would look into their grievances.
Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by, Honorable Mohammed Wudil, promised to ensure that all relevant stakeholders be brought to a round table discussion.
Five months after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, the federal government is yet to come to a conscious agreement with the union.
