A financial scandal is currently affecting the University of Calabar chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), involving a missing amount of N138 million in membership dues.
The issue dates back to 2019, when Dr. John Edor was the chapter’s leader.
Because the funds were not remitted to the ASUU’s national office, the university’s ASUU chapter has been suspended by the national leadership.
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The matter has now been brought to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, where a group of concerned lecturers, including Dr. John Inaku and nine others, is seeking legal resolution.
The lecturers are asking the court for several things.
They want it to declare that they don’t have to pay back the dues that were already taken from their salaries.
Also, they are requesting that the court lift the suspension of their chapter and restore their rights as ASUU members.
Additionally, they want Dr. John Edor to provide a clear account of all the dues collected during his time as chapter leader.
Furthermore, they seek to have Dr. Edor return the N138 million that he did not send to the national office, or whatever amount may be deemed owed after a full accounting.
They are also asking for the union to take disciplinary action against him, based on union rules.
The group is worried about potential retaliation for bringing this lawsuit, so they are requesting the court to prevent any punitive actions against them.
In terms of compensation, they are asking for N150 million as general damages and an additional N50 million from Dr. Edor.
They also want interest on any money awarded until it is paid, along with a claim for N5 million in special damages.
When reached for comment, Dr. Edor acknowledged the situation and mentioned that there are internal processes within the union to address such issues, encouraging anyone unhappy to follow those procedures.
