By Nelson Utip
The government of Akwa Ibom State has urged the AKSU Chapter of ASSU to shelve the planned resumption of industrial action.
The state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet while speaking to journalists in her office, said that the proposed action is not necessary as Governor Umo Eno has already directed payments in lieu of their demands.
The Commissioner said that the governor is a listening and promise keeping leader; he called the union leaders to meeting in his office recently and promised to look into their grievances.
“All the financial demands that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU, SSANU and NAAT of Akwa Ibom State University presented to the governor as their reason for the earlier strike are being addressed as directed by the governor.
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“These include the payment of 2023 leave grant, 2023 13th Month salary (Enomber) and approval for payment of palliative for 2023.
“The governor has approved that all of these be paid. But remember, due process has to be followed so that we don’t end up making mistakes.” Etiebet said.
On constituting a Governing Council for the institution , the Commissioner said:
“Government is in the process of constituting governing councils for all its tertiary institutions.”
She said that the state government is collaborating with a private firm for the construction of a hostel block at the main campus.
Etiebet said that the Governor deserves commendation for his welfarist attitude to governance which sees him prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the state in spite of scare resources.
She pondered on the reason a governor who is a known promise keeper should be threatened with industrial action.
“That does not apply to Governor Umo Eno. When he approved additional N2.7 billion for the continuous payment of gratuities to retirees in the state, there was neither protest nor strike action by NLC, NUT or even the retirees.
Let us continue to believe in him as he believes in good governance.” The Commissioner said while appealing to the Unions to be patient as their demands will soon be met.
