By Dailytab24.
Imo State lecturers have taken more than enough from the state government after it accused it of lacking commitment towards the state academic staff.
The Imo State Academic Staff Union of Universities declared a strike on Friday to force the statement government to show commitment towards it.
“We are embarking on a total and comprehensive indefinite strike effective Friday, 20th September. The decision stems from several unresolved issues persisting for years.” Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, in conjuction with the secretary of the union, said in a press statement.
The ASUU-IMSU are demanding from the government to end promoting its staff with monetary benefit, while stating that they benefit nothing from their promotion.
It also wants an end to the “staff salary disparity” that has been ongoing in the state university. The disparity is subject to favouritism and also spoke about the inability of the state government to pay its arrears.
The union also demanded the state government pay them the allowance they earned since 2009, non-remittance of pension and welfare, and check-off dues of the union, precisely 2020-2021.
The union’s demands are largely the inability of the state government to abide by its financial responsibilities.
Since Hope Uzodimma became the state governor, his policies targeted the union and have tend to deprive the autonomy of the university from the union.
The inclusion of the state university in its treasury single account also affected the independence of the university, putting the university in a tight corner and controlling its finances.
The strike has not gained sufficient attention in the country, with the country grappling with fuel scarcity and high pump prices.
The governor, who has spoken extensively about his good leadership and educationally friendly policies, has failed to meet the demand of the state university union to maintain a healthy educational environment.
