By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
The General Secretary of the proposed Federal Polytechnics Academic Staff Union, (FEPASU), Ogu Musa Akwe Ph.D explained that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP wanted to halt their registration as the union of the Federal staff of Nigerian polytechnics.
Dr. Musa stated that a tripartite meeting was called by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Minster of Labour and employment between ASUP and FEPASU in Abuja, 25/06/2024 on the objection of ASUP for the registration of FEPASU.
Dr. Musa maintained that the Registrar said it will grant FEPASU registration if it met all the requirements of registration within the purview of the law while Dr. Musa and the concerned comrades of FEPASU that attended the tripartite meeting defended their stand on extraction from ASUP for many reasons.
“ We want to pull out from ASUP for lacking democracy and the welfare of federal staff of Nigerian polytechnics. The section 40 of the 1999 Constitution has given us the right as persons to assemble freely to associate with other persons without hindrance.”
“The International Labor Organization (ILO) 1848 Convention 87, article 2 of part 1 states that workers and employers without distinction whatsoever shall have the right to establish and subject only to the rules of the organization concerned to join organization of their own choosing without previous authorization,” the FEPASU secretary expressed.
“ We want to leave ASUP because there is no internal democracy in election and in governance. The members keep recycling leadership positions among them. Federal Government policies cannot be effectively implemented by state polytechnics representatives.”
“ Negotiations and bargain strength with Federal Government can only be better represented and secured by Federal Polytechnics. IPPIS differentials, and 2% percent dues is remitted in bulk against state polytechnic staff. There is lack of accountability and transparency in ASUP National, and domination of state polytechnics staff in the national,” the General Secretary cried.
Dr. Musa Akwe said FEPASU doesn’t represent any sectional group, chapter regional or any primordial interest neither and should not be undermined by sentiment and pessimism for its registration.
Dr. Ogu called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and employment as a body to act within the law to process the registration of FEPASU which comprised law-abiding individuals that are only pursuing their rights.
Dr. Musa assured concerned members of FEPASU that the registration of FEPASU will come in a little time for better welfare, leadership, equality, accountability without preference of purpose.
On the change of name of Academic Staff Union of Federal Polytechnics, ASUFEP to Federal Polytechnics Staff Union, FEPASU was because the name should not sound or resemble ASUP, s name, and the name of the Union shall be registered as Federal Polytechnics Academic Staff Union.
Is a body that would represent the welfare of every staff of Federal Polytechnic of Nigeria?
I do buy into your ideas.