‘Attack on ASUU congress confirms security collapse in AAU’
Ambrose Alli University
• Union rejects institution’s probe panel
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, chapter, has said that the attack on its members during congress is a pointer to the collapse of security arrangement in the university.
The union, while accusing the university’s administration as the principal suspect in the attack, stated, “Having received the antecedent and previous attack on the union and the general security on the campus, congress further affirmed that security had totally collapsed and that lives and property are no longer guaranteed.
“Congress resolved and mandated the executive council to address the press on the worsening insecurity on the campus with particular reference to the safety of members and the continued performance of their duties of teaching, research and community services.“The congress also noted the threat to the life of the chairperson of the branch and commended the steps taken so far, both by the branch and the pro-chancellor.”
However, ASUU rejected the committee set up by the institution to probe the disruption of the congress.It attributed the rejection to its “lack of confidence” in the chairman of the committee.
In a statement by the chairperson, Dr. Monday Igbafen, and secretary, Anthony Coker, ASUU demanded a higher authority (the university council) to handle the probe of the invasion and the general problem of insecurity of its members within two weeks, “failing which the union will take further necessary action.”
The statement added that the attackers struck during the union’s congress in the school premises, where it was to receive court summons instituted by the wife of the vice chancellor against it.
But the university’s spokesman, Mr. Edward Aihevba, denied that the VC masterminded the attack. Aihevba, who condemned the violent disruption of the ASUU meeting, blamed the students, adding that management had launched investigation into the incident.Hoodlums had reportedly invaded the union’s congress on August 20 and inflicted injuries on its members.
