Damilola Ajibola
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has cautioned the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fashina, over alleged intimidation of its members.
This was contained in a document obtained by News Contact Online,on Saturday, signed by the National Vice President, Comrade Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam and South West Zonal Secretary, Comrade Hamzat Fajoye Oyelere.
The Union alleged that the University management,on the directive of the VC, to compel SSANU members across various units and departments, to sign a yet-to-be-drafted document aimed at disclaiming the position of the SSANU national body.
The Union, therefore, called on the federal government, the federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene by calling Professor Fashina to order, before the situation gets out of hand.
It also encouraged SSANU members and other staff of the institution to remain resolute, and not give in to threats, saying it would take necessary legal
and industrial actions to protect their rights.
The Union equally alerted the general public and the media to note the alleged undemocratic and anti-labour practice in FUOYE, which is capable of disrupting academic and administrative activities in the institution.
The documents reads, “Intimidation of SSANU Members at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fashina, and Attempt to Undermine Union’s National Position: Call for Caution
“The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), wishes to bring to the attention of the general public, the university community, and all stakeholders, the ongoing intimidation and coercion of our members by the University Management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, under the directive of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fashina, in connivance with the Registrar and Bursar of the University.
“It has come to our notice that Professor Abayomi Fashina, with the connivance of the Registrar, Bursar and other unscrupulous and unprincipled elements to compel SSANU members across various units and departments to sign a yet-to-be-drafted document aimed at disclaiming the position of the SSANU National body. We note that the Bursar, Mrs. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna has been most vehement in this action of threatening staff under her supervision to sign this letter. This acrion is not only criminal but is a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective will of our union and suppress the legitimate concerns of staff.
“A Climate of Fear and Intimidation at FUOYE:
“For over a year, the Vice-Chancellor has subjected staff of FUOYE to an atmosphere of fear, victimization, and undue harassment. This latest directive comes with open threats, where staff are being warned that refusal to sign the said document will attract severe consequences, including punitive measures. Such actions are not only unethical but also a gross violation of the rights of workers to freely associate and express their opinions without fear of victimization.
“Ordinarily, the Council which should have intervened, has clearly shown its compromised position because of its incestuous relationship with the Vice Chancellor. No effort is being spared by the compromised and biased Council to cover Professor Abayomi Fashina from the case of sexual harassment and serial financial and ethical infractions he has perpetrated in the university.
“A Desperate Bid to Protect Their Jobs:*
We strongly believe that this move by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Bursar is a desperate attempt to shield themselves from accountability and cling to their positions, even at the expense of staff welfare and industrial harmony. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue with the union to address pressing concerns, the University Management has resorted to intimidation tactics, further worsening the already tense industrial relations in FUOYE
“Our Call to Action:
“SSANU hereby:
1. Condemns in strongest terms, this act of intimidation and coercion by the University Management.
2. Calls on the Federal Government, Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), and all relevant stakeholders to intervene and call the Vice-Chancellor to order before the situation escalates
3. Urges all SSANU members and staff of FUOYE to remain resolute and not succumb to these threats, as the union will take all necessary legal and industrial actions to protect their rights.
4. Alerts the general public and the media to take note of this undemocratic and anti-labour practice in FUOYE, which is capable of disrupting academic and administrative activities in the institution.
“Conclusion:
We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon by an overbearing and desperate Management. SSANU remains committed to protecting the welfare of its members and ensuring justice and fairness in FUOYE.
“We call on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the labour movement to stand with us in resisting this tyranny.”
