Strike: We are waiting for FG payment evidence ― ASUP

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Monday said it is still waiting for concrete evidence from the Federal Government showing the details of payment of N16.4 billion for shortfall of members’ salary and promotion arrears and another N30 billion revitilisation funds.

The National President of the union, Dr Usman Dutse, told Nigerian Tribune exclusively, saying it was until that is done that the union would decide whether to call off its ongoing two-months old industrial action or not.

According to him, Federal Government met with ASUP representatives last Thursday and presented the efforts of government so far to address the lingering crisis including the claims of raising N46.4 billion to pay shortfall of salaries arrears and revitilisation while promising to fast-tract other issues such as review of polytechnics act, state-owned institutions and so forth after the general elections.

“That was the understanding (and not new agreement per se) between us at the meeting but as of today (Monday), we are yet to see the evidence to proof the release of such fund,” he noted

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Dutse said the evidence must have to emanate from the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation and not necessarily to reflect on their bank salary accounts before the congress of the union would decide the next line of action as regards their ongoing strike.

“So, we are waiting,” he said.