Report of the FIC (Abia State) – The Abia State administration has told members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that it would take the necessary measures to ensure that the federal government responds correctly to the NLC’s and Nigerians’ desire to see the conclusion of the current ASUU strike.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made the pledge while meeting with leaders and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abia State Council, who had come to protest peacefully at Government House in Umuahia.
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari has already given the federal government two weeks to resolve the standoff with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, said that the NLC’s peaceful demonstration is appropriate and necessary, and that it is a gesture of love and support to the ASUU.
He said that the government supports the NLC’s peaceful protest since the ASUU strike affects everyone.
He noted that the value of education cannot be overstated and emphasized the necessity for all hands on deck to facilitate a peaceful settlement of the deadlock and the return of pupils to school.
Governor Ikpeazu praised the NLC members for their peaceful behaviour and expressed optimism that the University calendar’s regularity will be restored shortly.
Earlier, the First Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abia State Council, Comrade Hope Ekwuribe, said that the NLC members were protesting peacefully against the federal government’s continued action on the current ASUU strike.
He lamented the federal government’s silence on the problem of Nigerian students’ indefinite stay at home and demanded a stop to it.
He said that the Union was no longer satisfied with the state of affairs in the education sector and advocated for the reopening of schools so that students may return to them.