Reverse sack of 23 FUNNAB staff, SSANU urges FG

The national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, to, as a matter of urgency, reverse the sack of 23 members of staff of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), relieved of their appointments by the university’s vice chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole and the Governing Council.

It will be recalled that the sacked staff were members of the association whose appointments were terminated last week.

The association’s request was contained in a communique issued at the end SSANU 29th Regular National Executive Council Meeting, held in Abia State, over the weekend, a copy obtained by the Nigerian Tribune.

SSANU said in its communique that FG “must set up a special visitation/investigation panels into the allegations of corruption against the VC and the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe.”

The SSANU NEC-in-Council alleged that “Oyewole and Ogunlewe embarked on reign of terror and clampdown on the petitioners and the union, following appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

The association argued that the termination of their appointments did not follow due process as stipulated by law and considering the fact that the matter is pending before the court.

The communique reads in part: “That SSANU NEC in session, received the disgusting and shocking news of the recent developments at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), where 23 members of the Union, including the entire branch executive of SSANU had their appointments terminated from union activities and for reporting crime to the appropriate organs of government.

“NEC noted that members of the Union, in the spirit of the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government, through the Presidency, Federal Ministry of Education, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“NEC -in-session was surprised that rather than being commended for playing roles in the national interest , their appointments were terminated as a cover-up and in retaliation for exposing the rot, corruption and fraud inherent within the system and condemns the exposure ,hazard and tension which members of the Union have been exposed to since the investigation started.”

Meanwhile, the institution’s Governing Council at its 90th Statutory Meeting, confirmed that some staff were disengaged from the services of the university for various offences, which includes stealing of University property, insubordination, willful disobedience to lawful instructions, absconding from assigned duty posts, sabotage and other forms of gross misconduct, prejudicial to good governance and peace of the University.

The Council enjoined all staff to be dedicated to duty, as necessary steps are being taken to attend to issues of welfare, such as promotions, staff training and development while reiterating its resolve not to entertain any form of indiscipline in the University.

It also approved the appointment of Mrs. Oluremi Oyewunmi as Acting University Bursar, after the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Moses O. Ilesanmi and noted that the process for the appointment of a substantive University Bursar has began.