Annoyed by the
controversies rocking Rivers State University of Science and Technology
(RSUST), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared today,
30th August 2012 a nationwide strike in solidarity with its members in that
institution even as the union indicted the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi
Amaechi over what it described as gross academic misconduct and
unconstitutional involvement in the university.
Briefing newsmen at
its national secretariat in Abuja, the National President of ASUU, Dr Nasir
Isa, regretted that Governor Amechi who is supposed be an advocate of rule of
law and constitutionalism, had contrary to the laws establishing the
institution, smuggled into office Prof B.B Fakae as acting vice- chancellor
after the expiration of his four years tenure
The ASUU boss noted
that "the governor and visitor to the university knew that the appointment
of Prof Fakae in 2008 did not follow due process as spelt out in the
university's law and when this was challenged, he set aside all protocols and
attended the congress of ASUU where he pleaded that the matter be allowed to
rest and assured the university community that the vice- chancellor's stay
would not be extended by a day on completion of his term, adding that the
governor's involvement in the selection of the vice-chancellor of the
university was unconstitutional.
"However, to the
dismay of the congress, Fakae was reappointed on acting capacity with the
support of the Pro-chancellor and chairman of the council, Justice Adolphus
Karibi-Whyte who rationalised and justified the re-appointment of Fakae.
"Fakae was
equally shortlisted and interviewed alongside four professors for the seat he
was expected to have vacated."
Dr Isa disclosed that
the governor in exercising his power expressly directed the secretary to the
state government to announce Prof Fakae as the acting vice- chancellor which
has led to the incessant harassment and intimidation of members of the
university community who are unwilling to fall for their cheap blackmail.
He revealed that two
days after the union had media briefing in UNN on Wednesday, 15th august, 2012
over the RSUST issue, the university authorities disrupted the congress of our
union using armed mobile police men and students' which led to a former student
of the institution to attack the chairperson of ASUU-RSUST chapter.
According to him,
"following the misconduct of the state government and the university
authorities, the union have declared that Thursday, 30th August 2012 will be
set aside 'as a day of solidarity' with members of the union and we enjoined
all our members across the country to abstain from work.
"We call on all
good people of River state and Nigeria to prevail on governor Amechi to restore
the rule of law and decency in the governance of the River State University of
Science and Technology. This is the only part of honour. It is the only sure
way of restoring peace and normalcy in the university on a sustainable
basis", he added.
The union also called
on the Inspector General of police to institute an urgent investigation into
the incidence at RSUST on the 15th of August, particularly in the role played
by the police and students on the assault of the institution's ASUU members.
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