The Federal Government (FG) announced on Tuesday that it was
withdrawing the ultimatum given to the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) protesters resume or be sacked following appeals
from well-meaning Nigerians and substantial compliance with the
directive by some members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. It was claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had confirmed that a sum of two hundred billion Naira agreed
with ASUU at a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on the 5th of
November, 2013 has been fully paid into a Revitalization of Universities
Infrastructure Account.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Public
Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, speaking with journalists, demonstrated the
CBN letter which was signed by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank
of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo and addressed to the Accountant General of the
Federation, which letter confirms that the said sum of money was the
balance in the account as required.
Mr. Okupe pointed out that the FG was interested in resolving the
lingering crisis in a peaceful manner for the overall interest of all
concerned.
He added,
“Right now, the issue of ultimatum is not a matter for discussion
anymore. There has been substantial compliance nationwide. If I say you
must return to work on the 9th and 70% of the people that I am talking
to have returned to work, that is substantial compliance.
“Government appreciates the fact that a number of universities
have either resumed academic activities or announced resumption dates in
line with the directives earlier issued by the Committee of Pro
Chancellors. We appreciate the fact that many chapters of ASUU have resumed work and many more will follow suit shortly.”
He added that with the evidence of the availability of the N200m for
immediate disbursement to the universities, it was expected that ASUU
would call off the strike.
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