Strike: Akire of Ikire-Ile appeals to ASUU, FG

Strike: Akire of Ikire-Ile appeals to ASUU, FG

The Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazees Olatunbosun Adebamiji has appealed to the Federal Government and the striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve all issues between them in the interest of the students.

In a statement entitled "Education: A requisite to a well run society" released on Tuesday, the monarch enjoined the Federal Government and ASUU to return to the round table and dialogue.

He said " it is no more news that Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has embarked on a face-off with the Federal Government on the failure of the Federal Government (FG) to fulfill the negotiated agreement between them, Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), salary and unpaid allowances. 

"The strike which began in February has now been on for an upward of six months. That amounts to six months of students doing next to nothing at home, unpaid salaries, and a general halt in our educational system except for some state universities and private institutions. The various non-academic staff unions of the university are also on strike. 

"Negotiations have been going on among stakeholders, principally between government side and ASUU, but when the outcome of the negotiations was presented to the FG a couple of weeks ago, it says that there is no money to pay what ASUU is asking for. On the other hand, ASUU insists, even as at yesterday, that the strike action will linger until the time the FG is ready to do its bidding. 

"Where then do we go from here? I like to appeal to both sides to come back to the round table and jaw-jaw further with sincerity and accommodation devoid of hatred and rancour and in the interest of our educational system, the youth and the progress of our nation. 

"A lasting solution is possible if both sides are ready to speak the truth to, and be honest with each other and face the realities on ground. According to William Shakespeare, "no legacy is so rich as honesty". Also, "an open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it" - Mark Twain. 

"Nobody is benefitting from the current stagnation. Let us all remember that, according to Mahatma Gandhi, "the future depends on what you do today". A Yorùbá proverb says "Ìfi'kùnlu'kùn ó sàn ju ìf'orígbá'rí lọ" (dialogue is better than hostility; jaw-jaw is better than war-war)," he added.