Akwa Ibom State Government has appealed to labour unions in the state-owned university to rescind their decision to embark on an industrial strike as government has paid all their entitlements.
Speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet said such an attempt to join strike was unnecessary and futile as government has ordered payments of all their demands.
Etiebet recalled that Governor Eno few weeks ago invited the union leaders to a meeting in his office as a listening leader and a promise keeper who does not need to be threatened with any strike action before he does what needs to be done.
“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 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 .”
The Commissioner disclosed that the government is in the process of constituting governing councils for all its tertiary institutions in the state.
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She said the state government is also making arrangements with a private firm, for a public-private partnership, (PPP ) model for the construction of new hostel blocks in the school campus.
Etiebet therefore urged the union leaders to commend Governor Eno for all he has done including giving priority to the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the State despite scarce resources and current economic realities.
The Commissioner wondered why a governor who has been consistent by keeping to his promises for Akwa Ibom people across all sectors would have to be threatened with a strike action for an issue that has been resolved.
“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,” she said.
