ASUU to sanction 3 erring LASU members

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, says the three erring members of the union who refused to appear before the disciplinary committee will be sanctioned.

Dr Adekunle Idris, ASUU-LASU Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday ‎in Lagos that the union was awaiting the report of the disciplinary committee before taking appropriate action.

NAN reports that ASUU-LASU had on Nov. 20, invited Dr Tajudeen Olumoko, a former ASUU-LASU treasurer, Mr A.S.S. Asokere‎ and Mr O. Aiyeniko to appear before the Ethics and Disciplinary committee.

A copy of the ‎public notice obtained by NAN said the invitation was to avail the trio the opportunity to verbally defend themselves in respect of various anti-union activities levied against them.

“In line with the constitution, this is to avail you the opportunity to verbally defend yourself.

“With respect to the allegations levied against you for which you had earlier been given an opportunity to explain in writing,’’ the notice said.

Among the accusation levied against Olumoko was ‎writing to the manager of Wema Bank on a forged ASUU-LASU letterhead and directing the bank to freeze the union’s account.

Also, writing to the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa, to stop the entire ASUU-LASU dues, which made the VC to direct ‎the bursar to implement as such among others.

Asokere and Aiyeniko were accused of writing to the Vice-Chancellor as interim Chairman and Secretary respectively, claiming and informing him of the suspension of the Dr Idris-led ASUU-LASU executive.

They were also accused of calling an illegal congress, sending out notices in the name of ASUU-LASU and writing the university administration to suspend deductions of ASUU-LASU members’ check-off dues among others.

According to Idris, the trio did not appear before the committee, following the invitation and so must face disciplinary action.

“We are waiting for the report of the ethics and disciplinary committee, which will be presented for modification and ratification at the ASUU-LASU Congress ‎on Dec. 7,’’ he said.

Idris said that following the congress ratification, the report would be forwarded to the Zonal Council and then to the National Executive Council (NEC) for appropriate sanction.

According to the chairman, the sanction for such offences in ASUU law is usually suspension.

“ASUU constitution is ‎clear on the sanction for such offences and normally, it is suspension from the membership of the union,’’ he said.