ASUU Faults FG On State Pardon and New Uni Governing Boards

Academic Staff Union of Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Monday faulted the presidential pardon granted some Nigerians, including the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

It also questioned the rationale behind the appointment of some Nigerians with questionable past as members of Governing Boards of universities across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing at the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, National President of the union, Mr. Nasir Fagge Isa, said it was worrisome that corruption continue to flourish in the country, while offenders were left to enjoy their loot without any form of apprehension or negligible punishment.

According to him, "the few that are caught by the law end up being granted presidential pardon to the chagrin of all."

Isa said the only solution to the nation overcoming its socio-economic and political crises, its for the total reorganisation of the political, economic and social base of the country.

"In Nigeria, what is needed, therefore, is not a realignment of rulers' parties but the construction of a people's party that will organise the people, irrespective of ethno- religious affiliations," he said.

On the issue of the Governing Boards for universities, the union stated that while it was happy that the boards were immediately reconstituted after the expiration of the former boards, it was, however, saddened by the quality and competence of the number of nominees, while noting that the boards were filled with politicians lacking the basic requirement.

The union, therefore, called on the federal government to hasten the implementation of the 2009 ASUU FGN agreement it signed with the union or be ready to bare the consequence of its slow action