THE Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, has urged the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to quickly resolve the protracted dispute between the two parties in the interest of Nigerians.
Lawan, who made the call in a statement issued by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, to mark this year’s International Workers’ Day, yesterday, demanded a swift end to the union’s 65-day-old strike.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the country.
ASUU embarked on a 30-warning strike on February 14 to protest the federal government’s failure to honour agreements signed by both parties.
The union extended the strike by another eight weeks on March 14 over the government’s recalcitrant position on the matter.
The union’s demands include revitalisation of public universities, payment of earned academic allowances, adoption of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a payment platform and payment of promotion arrears, among others.
The statement read: “In the spirit of the May Day, I appeal for a speedy and amicable resolution of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ensure that our universities re-open for learning and research.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Labour creates wealth for the nation, the more reason the welfare of Nigerian workers should always be accorded priority”.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerian workers, especially public and private workers in the state to remain productive and committed to carrying out their duties.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement to commemoration the Year 2022 International Workers’ Day, described workers as the lifeblood of the economy.
He commended all the workers in the state for their patience, strength, passion and commitment to the development of the state and Nigeria as a whole, urging them not to relent in their positive contributions to the economy.
“Happy Workers’ Day to all our committed and hardworking workers in the public and private sectors. We appreciate your contributions; they are indeed the lifeblood of our economy because without the contributions of the workers, no government can achieve its dream.
“Nigerian workers are the fabric that makes up the society as a result of their tireless contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. We appreciate all workers, both in the public and private sectors for their patience, strength and commitment to the growth and development of our dear state and Nigeria.
“As we join the rest of the world today, to celebrate International Workers’ Day, I implore all workers, especially those in the state to remain productive and committed to duty. We must all join hands together to take the state to greater heights in line with our administration’s agenda.
“As a government, we will continue to make the welfare of workers our priority and ensure that we play our role in creating a good working environment for workers in the state. I congratulate all our workers on the 2022 International Workers’ Day,” said Sanwo-Olu.
“As Parliament, the National Assembly will continue to partner with the Organized Labour in addressing issues that affect workers and the generality of the Nigerian people.
“Despite the prevailing challenges, the relationship between Labour and the Government should be cooperative in the overall interest of the country.”
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