Ondo Varsity set to suspend workers leaders over protest

The staff had been protesting the nonpayment of salaries.

 

Seven staff of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State,  have  raised alarm over alleged plans by the management to order their suspension over alleged involvement in the recent workers protest in the University.

Sources revealed that the workers, who are union leaders, have been served with court summons.

The affected workers reportedly appeared before an Akungba Magistrate Court on Monday.

However, the absence of the Magistrate at the court led to the adjournment of the case to December 5.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that arrangements had been concluded to suspend the Unionists immediately they appear in court.

A source hinted that the decision was reached at an emergency Management’s meeting held recently, while suspension letters have already been prepared.

The affected workers are Messrs, O.Akele, Aguda B.S, Ekundayo Clement, Ayeni Gregory, and Olorunkiya Emiloju.

Others are Ms. Babatunde Oluwatoyin and Ms. M.E Ogbeye and.

One of the workers lamented the management’s victimization of the entire staff of the University since it embarked on a protest few weeks ago.

The staff were protesting against the half salary that was paid to them in September, no salary for October and six days removal from November salary.

According to an aggrieved staff “During Late Sani Abacha regime, there was a strike for complete six months and it was not on record that workers were not paid.

He said the Management of the institution  is laying bad precedence which will put it in God’s court for posterity.

Recently, a three-term Non Academic Staff Union, NASU, Chairman in the Institution, P.O Tameta was sacked through a letter signed by the Registrar, Bamidele Olotu over alleged insubordination and gross disrespect to constituted authority.

The decision to sack the Union Leader was contained in a letter dated November 6, even though two separate panels set up to investigate the allegation leveled against him found him not guilty.

The University Vice Chancellor , Femi Mimiko, could not be reached on phone  for his reaction as at press time.