In lieu to the action taken by the Edo State Government suspending all union activities in state institutions of higher learning following protest by students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, the AAU chapter of ASUU has, however, described the state government’s action as illegal.
Punch reports that the AAU ASUU chairman, Cyril Onogbosele, said the state government lacked the power to suspend ASUU’s activities because the union is not registered with the state government.
He said, “We have seen the statement banning the activities of unions in the state institutions including ASUU. ASUU is a legal trade union and we have the right of association in the eyes of the law.
“So, on what basis did he ban the union’s activities? Is it because students protested because the union is on strike?”
Onogbosele said the school management was duly notified of its ongoing strike over the non-payment of its members’ 17-month salary arrears.
“So is he (the governor) saying we don’t have the right to ask for our pay with a strike action? What is illegal in the activity that we have carried out? Is strike not recognised by law as a means to put pressure on employers to address issues?
He however said what the government should have done, is try to resolve the issue with the union not banning the union’s activities.