We have not suspended strike, says Ambrose Alli varsity’s ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma chapter, says it has not pulled out of the ongoing strike by the national body of the union as speculated.

ASUU had in March declared an indefinite strike, citing the federal government’s failure to meet the agreements it had with the union.

There were however rumours in some quarters that the AAU chapter of the union had pulled out of the ongoing strike. It was also rumoured that the institution would reopen academic activities on December 20.

But in a joint statement on Tuesday, Monday Igbafen, the varsity’s ASUU chairman, and Anthony Aizebioje-Coker, its secretary, dismissed the claims.

“The Ambrose Alli University’s Chapter of ASUU wishes to notify the general public (students and parents in particular) that the nationwide strike approved by our national body in March this year has not been suspended to necessitate the reopening of the university,” the statement read.

The AAU chapter of the union noted that it is in total compliance with the ongoing strike by the national body which is aimed at improving the situation of things in universities across the country.

It enjoined the public to disregard the speculations making the rounds, explaining that only the national leadership of the union can direct the suspension of the strike.

“ASUU AAU, Ekpoma wishes to advise our dear students, parents and guardians that ASUU AAU, Ekpoma is fully on strike, like other branches in public universities, and therefore they should be guided not to risk the lives of our dear students by allowing them to risk their lives unnecessarily on our treacherous roads because of a purported resumption of activities in the university,” it added.

“Indeed, it is the strong view of the union that it will be counterproductive to reopen the university when our members will not be available to attend to the students in any way or teach because of the on-going strike. The strike is total, indefinite and comprehensive.”