… Calls for police protection as strike turns violent
BENIN CITY – Tension escalated on Monday at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), UNIBEN Chapter, accused members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of assault, intimidation, and harassment of its members during the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by ASUU which began on Monday
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the CONUA Chairman, Dr. Osagie Eweka, and Professor Godspower Ekuobase of the Computer Science Department alleged that ASUU members invaded lecture halls where CONUA lecturers were supervising the ongoing 2024/2025 second semester examinations, disrupted the examination and physically attacked their members for refusing to join the strike
They said the incidents occurred at the Department of Political Science, where the Head of Department who is CONUA’s Vice Chairman was reportedly manhandled by striking lecturers.
Dr. Eweka said the attack was a clear attempt to intimidate CONUA members and force them to suspend their academic duties against their will.
“ASUU members have the right to go on strike, but they have no right to impose their decision on members of another union,” he said.
“What happened today was an act of intimidation, and we will not tolerate it.”
He explained that CONUA’s national leadership had directed all chapters not to participate in the strike, following a recent invitation from the Federal Government to dialogue on key issues, including funding and other challenges affecting the university system.
The union leaders condemned the alleged harassment and called on the Inspector General of Police, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, and other security agencies to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members from further attacks.
Reacting, the ASUU Chairman, Professor Enaruna Edosa disputed the claims BY CONUA officials. He said he lead officers of ASUU to monitor members compliance with the directive on strike in order to identify members who are flouting the rules for the purpose of sanctioning them
