WITHHELD SALARIES; COURT ADJOURNS ASUU-FG CASE TILL...

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has adjourned to May 2 hearing on the case between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities over lecturers’ eight months’ salaries withheld by the government.

The union has, however, expressed optimism that the “truth will prevail” over the matter.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, dragged the union to court following the failure of the government and ASUU to reconcile during the strike which occurred in 2022.

The court commended Ngige for taking legal action against ASUU following the failed reconciliationThe minister requested an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from continuing the strike, pending the determination of the substantive suit with number: NICN/ABJ/270/22-FGN, Min. of Edu. vs ASUU.

The suit sought the interpretation of the Trade Dispute Act CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, as it relates to industrial actions.

Although the court earlier ordered ASUU to suspend the strike, an order which the union complied with, the judge adjourned the hearing on the matter of withheld salaries to May 2, 3, and 4.Speaking with our correspondent on the series of adjournments, the ASUU Chairman at the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, who also serves as a member of the National Executive Council of ASUU, Prof Gbolahan Bolarin, said, “One thing is sure and that is the fact that we are very optimistic that the truth will come out. Everybody will know the truth, so we are optimistic.”