No Peace Yet In Ado-Ekiti Poly Crisis – Union leader

The embattled union leaders in the troubled Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, has denied claim by the management that normalcy has return to the institution.

Stating the position of the suspended institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), its chairman, Oluwole Ayeni, told newsmen that he was completely taken aback by the news swinging around the media that normalcy has return to the institution.

The SSANIP boss described the recent action taken by the rector, where she allegedly coerce some workers into submission, rather than addressing the issues raised against her, as unfortunate.

“It is quite unfortunate that the rector is telling the public that the crisis has been resolved when she is yet to address all issues raised against her. We have said it time without number that we have no personal matter to settle with the rector.

“Nobody can call the workers back to work except the union, because we declared the strike in the first place.

“The truth of the matter is that there is stalemate in the polytechnic. Even the students were not happy because when the rector told them to resume, there was no guarantee of full academic activities.”

He vowed that the union would remain inactive until an amicable solution is reached on the matter.

Ayeni cautioned the management and Governing council not to take further actions against workers and the union leaders since the matter is pending in the courts.

He rather alleged that the union leaders are constantly being intimidated.

He explained that Akande should not think that the unions were fighting a personal battle with her but only trying to guide her to do the needful.

The council had announced suspension of unions’ activities while the management issued a statement disclaiming the unions.

He urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, set up an independent investigation panel to verify the claims of the unions against the management.

The Rector, Taiwo Akande, recently met with workers promising to offset some outstanding dues, which formed part of the unions’ agitations.

FOR LATEST UPDATES ON ADO EKITI POLY CLICK HERE