The Akwa Ibom State government has made frantic efforts to stop the planned resumption of industrial action by the Joint Action Committee of the State University, saying that all is set to respond positively to their demands.
State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, said the proposed action is needless as Governor Umo Eno has directed payments in lieu of their demands.
Etiebet said Governor Eno had, a few weeks ago, called the union leaders to a meeting in his office, adding that he is a listening leader and a promise keeper who does not need to be threatened to do the needful.
According to her, “All the financial demands that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU, SSANU and NAAT of Akwa Ibom State University presented to the Governor as their reason for the earlier strike are being addressed as directed by the Governor.
“These include the payment of the 2023 leave grant, 2023 13th Month salary (Enomber), and approval for payment of palliative for 2023.
“The Governor has approved that all of these be paid. But remember, due process has to be followed so that we don’t end up making mistakes.”
On the issue of the constitution of the governing council of the University, the Commissioner said, “Government is in the process of constituting governing councils for all its tertiary institutions.”
On the issue of the construction of students’ hostels, she said arrangements were in top gear by the State Government to partner with a private firm for a public-private partnership, PPP model to construct new hostel blocks within the school campus.
She said Governor Eno should be commended for all he has done, including giving priority to the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the State despite scanty resources and current economic realities.
Etiebet noted that the Governor has been consistent in keeping to his promises for Akwa Ibom people across sectors and does not need to be threatened with a strike action for such issue to be sorted out.
“That does not apply to Governor Umo Eno. When he approved an additional 2.7 billion Naira yesterday for the continuous payment of gratuities to retirees in the State, there was neither protest nor strike action by NLC, NUT or even the retirees. Let us continue to believe in him as he believes in good governance,” Commissioner Etiebet averred.
She appealed to the unions to continue to show understanding as all their demands will gradually be met.