The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Kogi State University chapter, on Thursday, said the state governor, Yahaya Bello, has no power to proscribe it as a union.
The association, therefore, told its members to disregard the prescription order and regard it as a rumour and a mere expression of words by the governor.
It could be recalled that governor Bello banned the activities of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Trade Unions of Tertiary Institutions and all other forms of unionism in the state-owned tertiary institutions.
However, the chairman of the association, Comrade Moses Balogun, in a statement said the ban of Joint Action Committee (JAC), was not a statement of fact.
He said the tertiary institutions in the state were surprised by the action.
He said, “We learnt that the state government of Kogi, proscribed JAC of all trade unions owed by the state. To the best of my knowledge, as a labour leader that knows about the labour law 2004 as amended in 2005, I want to see it as a rumour.
“However, if it is true, we are waiting for an official communication from the state. Such an action must be accompanied by a document from the state government to the institution and sent. Until then, we see it as a rumour and should not be taken serious or important.
“The union are all surprised that despite not having a dispute, not arguing for anything except what we demand which is legal that is check up dues which were deducted for four months without remitting. We are asking where they put this money deducted. Is it a crime to ask?”
Balogun said the state government lacked any legal backing to make such pronouncement, adding that the unions were national and not a local branch.
He urged members to go about their duties in the university as they await the decision of the government in writing.
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