By Vera E. Abah
THE Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned the federal government’s lawsuit at the National Industrial Court, Abuja against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the action as “a continuation of the antics to arm-twist the union and possibly lay the legal basis to attack ASUU and its members.”
In a statement signed by Comrade Rufus Olusesan, National Chairperson, and Comrade Chinedu Bosah, National Publicity Secretary, CDWR also condemned the Buhari-led government’s neglect of public education and refusal to meet ASUU’s demands.
“ASUU had embarked on strike since February 14, 2022, and the strike has lingered on for 7 months over the demands on funding of university education and better welfare conditions. Education is an important aspect of society and should be given utmost priority but the Buhari-led government just like its predecessors are not interested in protecting public interest. Allowing public universities to close down for 7 months clearly shows the anti-people character of the Buhari-led government.
“At this stage, the solidarity of the trade union movement (Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress) is most needed. We call on the leadership of NLC and the TUC as a matter of urgency to begin the mobilization for a 48-hour warning general strike backed with mass actions to demand government meet the demands of ASUU and other unions and protest the under-funding of public education and healthcare, rising cost of living, hike in fuel prices, hike in electricity tariff etc. With this, the government can be forced to meet the demands of the striking university workers, increase funding for public education and retreat from other anti-poor policies,” CDWR stated.
