SSANU-OOU kicks against unlawful arrest of SSANU-FUOYE union leaders

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University (SSANU-OOU)  branch, has condemned the “unlawful arrest and harassment of our union leaders” in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti by officers of the Nigerian Police Force, allegedly acting on the orders of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina.

In a statement by Dr. Abiodun Adedeji Lamina, Chairman, SSANU-OOU, the union said, “Unionism is not a crime. The arrest of duly elected SSANU officials in FUOYE for carrying out their legitimate responsibilities to protect the welfare of members is an act of intimidation, oppression, and abuse of power.

“Such undemocratic behaviour undermines the principles of industrial harmony and threatens the peace and stability of our university system.”

Dr Lamina urged  the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Minister of Labour and Employment to intervene immediately to ensure that university managements across Nigeria respect the lawful activities of staff unions and desist from using state security apparatus to intimidate or silence workers.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. The struggle for justice and dignity cannot be suppressed by force.

“We remain steadfast in defending the rights of Nigerian workers and the integrity of the university system,” Lamina added.