Edo Government/ASUU-UNIBEN Squabble over Demolition of Property
BENIN—Edo State Government and the
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Benin branch, are at
loggerheads as the union accused the government of alleged lawlessness in the
demolition of property belonging to the university.
But the government, through the
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, described
the allegation as baseless, saying that the said property belongs to the state
government after it won the suit at the lower court and Court of Appeal. Zonal
Coordinator of UNIBEN ASUU, Dr Anthony Monye-Emina, who addressed journalists
yesterday, alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole had promised to compensate
the lecturers affected by the earlier demolition but was surprised that the
government went on to demolish the entire property when part of the matter was
still before the court. But Afegbua said, “It is very unfortunate that members
of ASUU who ordinarily should be knowledgeable about the dynamics of government
can descend to the level of using gutter language to describe a popularly
elected governor of the state. “
This damning conclusion is not only
derived from sheer sentiments and poor scholarship but also a product of
intellectual inertia.” As much as one finds it irritating to respond to this
category of turncoat academics, who, rather than intervene on this matter in a
very dispassionate manner, have decided to invoke political sentiments, it is
appropriate to set the records straight. “On the property matter, judgment was
entered in favour of Edo State Government in December, 2014. The University of
Benin filed for stay of execution of the judgment at the Court of Appeal, and
judgment was also given in favour of Edo State Government. Barely a week ago,
we heard that they have filed notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal again.”
Simon Ebegbulem (Vanguard)
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