PLASU suspends SSANU chairman, secretary

AUTHORITIES of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, have suspended the chairman and secretary of the university’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Messrs Timnan Rimdap and Dusu Sambo Yaro, and barred them from entering the university for three months.

The suspension of two officials of the association has started generating tension in the university, as most members perceived the suspension as victimisation and gross violation of set rules.

According to the suspension letters, signed by Mr Amos Mallo, the university’s registrar, Timnan (who is the head of ICT of unit) and Yaro (of the academic planing unit) will be placed on half salary throughout of the  three months suspension.

Timnan and Yaro were suspended  after management felt dissatisfied with their  response to queries bordering on union issues and alleged absence from duty.

They were also accused of insubordination, lack of respect to constituted authorities and attempting to tarnish the image of the “university through falsehood and misrepresentation of facts’’.

Sources close to the university told Nigerian Tribune that the two officials were suspended following the inauguration of the state chapter of SSANU by the national body of the association, and consequent demand for dues from members without permission from the university.

It was learnt that the vice chancellor declined the request for the dues, and insisted that he would only recognise the body after it had been registered by the university.

Management had also insisted, through a memo dated January 10 that all trade unions must be registered so as to monitor their activities, and directed unions, intending to operate in the school, to forward a list of officials, constitution and current membership list for registration with the university.

It followed that up by specifically requesting minutes of the meeting where SSANU members agreed to the two-percent deduction on their salaries as check-off dues, among others.

When contacted,  the university’s public relations officer, Mr John Agams, confirmed the suspension, saying that all laid down  rules and regulations were followed.

He said the suspension can only be lifted at the expiration of three months, subject to the recommendation of committee saddled with such.