*kicks against cultism, politics in universities
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
As a result of the lingering industrial action between Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has said ASUU should not demand for any salary while on strike, saying that one must sacrifice something to get something.
The governor who made this known at the new EXCO chamber, kicked against cultism and clannish interests being displayed by lecturers and students of universities, stating that somebody from Sokoto, Ogun, and other parts of the country can take up appointment anywhere in Nigeria as far as he or she is qualified to handle such positions.
“It is unreasonable for anybody to demand for salary while on strike. Hear me and hear me well, you must do something while fighting for something, ASUU is synonymous with fasting.
“I must commend ASUU for their doggedness, and I believe that Federal Government should do something to enable our students go back to school.
“I frown so much on the issue of strike but in Nigeria, strike is not even seen as strike because when you are on strike, you are not supposed to be paid salaries.
“We should shun clannishness in our higher institutions. Somebody can come from Sokoto or Ogun to take up appointment anywhere. Ebonyi State must do everything possible to stop every form of clannishness,” he said.
The governor also used the opportunity to inaugurate the governing council of Ebonyi State University and David Nweze Umahi University Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
