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Why Gbajabiamila Needs To Apologise To ASUU – Falana

Published

3 years ago

December 29, 2022

The lead counsel for the Academic Staff Union of Universities and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to apologise to the members of the union.

The human rights lawyer also faulted the speaker for denying the agreement reached with ASUU.

Falana in a text sent to our correspondent explained that a member of the Federal Executive Council truncated Gbajabiamila’s efforts regarding the resolution of matters related to the strike between the government and ASUU.

The ASUU president, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke had accused the speaker of deceiving the union. However, several lawmakers on Wednesday rose to the defence of the speaker.

Falana however said, “It is public knowledge that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila intervened in the last strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Several meetings were held with the relevant stakeholders by the leadership of the House. While briefing the Nigerian people on the resolution of the crisis on October 10, 2022, the Speaker did categorically state as follows:

“We agreed with ASUU and the government on certain things which we took to Mr President. I have visited the president twice. The first time we made our recommendations with the government shifting some and ASUU shifting some. We spoke with Mr President. There was one sticking issue which was the issue of no work no pay. And the President did ask that he would suggest the recommendations and would have one more meeting which we did on Friday after the budget.

“That meeting was even better than the first one we had with him, and Mr President had agreed to settle things. I am not going to talk about that now, and that he would disclose whatever it is tomorrow, Tuesday which is tomorrow.”

And when the Federal Government turned around to renege on the vexed issue of “no work, no pay” the Speaker assured the lecturers on October 24, 2022, of his ability to resolve the issues in dispute.

According to Gbajabiamila, “The Executive position that it is not obligated to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is premised on the law and the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions.

“Nonetheless, interventions have been made to explore the possibility of partial payments to the lecturers. We look forward to a favourable consideration by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who has manifested his desire to what is prudent and necessary to resolve all outstanding issues.

“From the information at my disposal, the intervention of the House Leadership in resolving the crisis was sabotaged by a member of the Federal Executive Council.

“Having been embarrassed by the circumstance, the Speaker should have apologised to the ASUU and the Nigerian people instead of denying the agreement reached with ASUU and President Buhari on the decision of the Federal Government to pay for the period covered by the strike. The Agreement was based on the commitment of the lecturers to ensure that the 2021/2022 academic session was not cancelled.”

News

Fintiri Hikes Corps Members’ All

Published

7 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.

The governor made the announcement on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.

“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members.

“This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” the governor stated.

Fintiri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and welfare, stating that the allowance hike complements ongoing support efforts such as regular food provision and other welfare initiatives.

Speaking further, he disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a new NYSC orientation camp in the state.

He directed the NYSC State Coordinator to involve corps members with relevant qualifications—such as architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors—in supervising the project.

Congratulating the new corps members, Fintiri welcomed them to Adamawa and assured them of government support.

He described them as vital partners in delivering key government policies, particularly in education.

“As bonafide citizens of Adamawa during your service year, you are expected to uphold discipline, engage in community development, and cultivate healthy interactions,” Fintiri stated.

He emphasised the importance of the orientation programme in preparing corps members for their national assignment.

The state Commissioner for Youths and NYSC Governing Board Chairman, Wali Yakubu, urged corps members to take the course seriously, follow camp rules, and embrace skill acquisition for post-service self-reliance.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Osoro Caroline, commended the corps members’ discipline and participation so far.

She said the orientation course was tailored to equip them for meaningful national contributions.

Osoro praised Fintiri’s consistent support, describing him as a “visionary leader and a beacon of youth empowerment in Nigeria.”

The event also featured the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahman, and a ceremonial presentation of the NYSC journal to the governor.

News

Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory

Published

8 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has gifted Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for leading the national women’s football team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

According to a Facebook post by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola, the state capital.

Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, was hailed by Fintiri for his role in the Falcons’ triumph at the tournament, which took place in Morocco earlier this year.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu ( Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year,” the post read.

News

Policeman Rejects N800,000 Bribe To Free Robbery Suspect In A’Ibom

Published

8 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

CSP Ebong Thompson

A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Ebong Thompson has rejected the sum of N800,000 offered to him to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and cover up the crime.

This is as the command has arrested the suspects in connection with the bribe

A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday said the suspects involved in the deal have been arrested and taken to custody.

According to the statement, 53-year-old David Isaac was arrested after a Samsung phone that was snatched at gun point was traced to him.

John stated that the suspect has a record of similar offences having been arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.

She added that the other suspect, Emmanuel Peter, was arrested and taken to custody after he brought the the sum of N.8m to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police who has given a commendation letter to the officer, warned the public to desist from compromising police investigation.

The statement read in part, ”A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected N800,000 bribe offered to him on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

“The money was intended to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and also cover up the crime.

”The suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung phone that was gotten at gun point was traced to him. Isaac has a history of similar offences as he was arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.

”The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected.

”All officers concerned with this discreet investigation received a commendation letter from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. The CP, while addressing officers at the end of the month briefing, charged them to emulate the Distinguished officers.

”Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from compromising police investigation.”
(PUNCH)