THE Non-Academic Staff of the University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, today staged a peaceful protest in the three campuses of the university (Delta Park, Choba Park, Abuja Park), over the failure of the federal government to honour agreements it reached with them in 2009, as well as non-payment of their 25 percent salary arrears.
The non-academic staff who operated under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), and Non-Academic Staff Unions Of Educational And Associate Institutions (NASU), University of Port Harcourt branch, came out in their large numbers to press home their demands.
Addressing Journalists at the sidelines of the protest, Comrade Ogbegbe Osoruchi, chairman Non-Academic Staff Unions Of Educational And Associate Institutions (NASU) and chairman joint action committee of the two unions lamented over the nonchalant attitude of federal government towards the welfare of their unions.
He said “We were ordered by national leadership of SSANU and NASU to embark on one day protest to press home our demands of fifty billion Naira that was budgeted for NASU, SSANU and ASUU. Twenty percent (20%) was allocated to SSANU and NASU, while 80% was allocated ASUU. It’s unjust when three unions are sharing Fifty billion, and only 20% is allocated to two unions, while 80% is for one union.
“The Joint action committee of the non- academic staff is not against it, but we are blaming the federal government for giving 80% to ASUU.”
Comrade Ogbegbe appealed further “We are appealing to federal government to do the needful. Law of equity should be respected and applied. Even in the family setting, irrespective of that, there is seniority, law of equity has to be maintained; therefore, we are appealing to the federal government to add more to the allocation of the three non teaching staff’ union of Nigeria universities.
“Again, we embarked on strike in 2022 and our salaries were withheld for five months, later President Bola Tinubu came and granted amnesty to pay us 50% of the total sum, as we speak today two months salary is still withheld. We are saying that the two months salary should be paid to us.” Comrade Ogbegbe exclaimed.
Addressing newsmen also SSANU Vice-Chairman, University of Port Harcourt, Comrade Ikokwu Clement Ihechi said the federal government should desist from making empty promises and know that third party deductions are not government property.
He posited “It is sad that it’s only when we make noise that the federal government will listen to the demands of our legitimate entitlements. Federal government should know that justice delayed is justice denied.
He stressed further that “we are also appealing to the federal government as they want to increase the salaries of academic staff, they should also consider the non teaching staff because there’s no how ASUU can operate without non- teaching staffs”
Asked what would be their next line of action in the event that their demands are not met, Comrade Ikokwu said: “The general public should be rest assured that from the national leadership of NASU and SANU, if nothing is done by the federal government in no distant time the chapters will take orders from our national leadership on what next to do. Comrade Ikokwu Ihechi concluded.
The protesting non-academic staff carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “Pay Our Withheld Salaries! Release Our Wages!” 25%/35% Salary Arrears Are Our Right,” FGN,Please Honour the 2009 Agreement Now! Third Party Deductions Are Not Government Property! No More Empty Promises We Need Action Now! Treat Non Teaching Staffs With Dignity! Justice Delayed is Justice Denied! SSANU/NASU United We Demand What Is Ours! In Unity we move”[td_smart_list_end]
