ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Taraba State University, has declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action.
The strike was declared following a permission by the ASUU national to the state branch, to press home its demands and the state government’s claims that it is not owing workers salaries.
Arising from a congress meeting, the union insisted that the rationale behind their action is hinged on government’s failure to pay earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, fractional payment of salaries to staff as well as unsettled staff pension and gratuity scheme.
On his part, Mr. Samuel Shitaa, the Taraba State University ASUU Chairman, noted that other reasons for the industrial action includes non implementation of agreements and perimeter fencing of the institution.
Reacting to the strike action via telephone interview, the state government through the Commissioner for Tertiary education, Edward Baraya, said the union has not communicated their action to the state government.
Baraya wondered why ASUU would take such a decision when the present government is doing everything possible to address the issues before leaving office.
Also reacting, the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity Bala Dan-Abu in a press statement said the outgoing Governor is owing no worker salaries.
Mr. Dan-Abu in a communique said: “The outgoing administration of his excellency, arc Darius Dickson Ishaku, executive governor of Taraba state, is not owing any group of workers in the state monthly salaries and, therefore, will not be leaving behind any burden arising from unpaid emoluments for the in-coming administration.”
This clarification became necessary following a press statement issued recently on behalf of the in-coming administration of Lt Col Agbu Kefas, the governor-elect which contained a promise to pay salary arrears in its first 100 days.