You lack power to proscribe us, SSANU tells Bello

THE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Kogi State University chapter, on Thursday, said the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has no power to proscribe it as a union.

The association, therefore, told its members to disregard the prescription order and regard it as a rumor and a mere expression of words by the governor.

The chairman of the association, Comrade Moses Balogun, said the ban of Joint Action Committee (JAC), was not a statement of fact.

He said the tertiary institutions in the state were surprised by the action, if true or acclaimed to be true that such decision was taken when other institutions are not on strike.

He said, “We learnt that the state government of Kogi, proscribed JAC of all trade unions owed by the state. To the best of my knowledge, as a labour leader that knows about the labour law 2004 as amended in 2005, I want to see it as a rumour.

“However, if it is true, we are waiting for an official communication from the state. Such an action must be accompanied by a document from the state government to the institution and sent. Until then, we see it as a rumour and should not be taken serious or important.

“The union are all surprised that despite not having a dispute, not arguing for anything except what we demand which is legal that is check up dues which were deducted for four months without remitting. We are asking where they put this money deducted. Is it a crime to ask?”

Balogun said the state government lacked any legal backing to make such pronouncement, adding that the unions are national and not a local branch.

He urged members to go about their duties in the university as they await the decision of the government in writing.