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ASUU Begs A’Court to Stay Judgement Ordering End of Strike

Published

3 years ago

September 24, 2022

ASUU’s National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke

* Obey ruling, return to the classrooms, FG tells university teachers

The striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), yesterday approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja for an order to stay the execution of a court judgement ordering it to end its ongoing nationwide strike.
The university teachers have been on strike since February 14, to press home their demands for improved funding for universities and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Justice Polycarp Hamman of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, had on Wednesday, while delivering ruling in an interlocutory injunction application by the federal government, restrained ASUU from continuing with the strike.

The judge had predicated his decision on Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act, that empowers him to make such decisions in the interest of the nation.
Dissatisfied, the university lecturers yesterday filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the order of the Industrial Court.

ASUU through its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, had in a motion sought the leave of the court “to appeal against the interlocutory ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria per Honourable Justice P.1. Hamman.”
The appellant also prayed the court for another order, “staying execution of the order of Justice Hamman … pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory Appeal.”

ASUU is claiming that the ruling of Justice Hamman affects its fundamental rights to fair hearing, adding that it would be in the interest of justice to stay the execution of same pending the hearing and determination of the Appeal arising thereto.
In the 14 grounds of proposed notice of appeal, ASUU is claiming that the trial Judge “erred in law and thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he decided to hear and determine the Respondents’ motion for interlocutory injunction when he knew or ought to have known that the substantive suit filed by the Claimant was not initiated by due process of law.”

ASUU in grounds two of the appeal also claimed that Justice Hamman misdirected himself in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he decided to hear other motions before the motion challenging court’s jurisdiction on the matter.
The appellant further submitted that the learned trial judge erred in law when he held that “pursuant to Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act, Section 18(1) E mandates the members of the Defendants/Respondents not to take part in any strike pending the determination of the suit.”

After several failed attempts to get the striking lecturers back to work while negotiations continue, the government opted for the current court action and prayed the court to compel ASUU to end the nearly seven months old strike in the interest of the nation and the Nigerian students who are suffering the most from the strike.
The Ministry of Labour had approached the industrial court to challenge the refusal of the striking lecturers to end the nearly seven months old strike, claiming that millions of students have been out of school since February 14, 2022 when they went on strike.

FG to ASUU: Obey Court Ruling, Go Back to Classrooms

The federal government yesterday urged the public university lecturers to heed the ruling of the National Industrial Court by calling off the seven-month old strike and returning to the classrooms.
Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who made the government position known, advised ASUU to obey the court ruling and call off its ongoing nationwide strike, while negotiations are ongoing.

He gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in New York on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly.
Ngige said: “I’m not ASUU but the maximum in law is that when there is a court judgement or ruling or order you must first obey and then we can apply for an appeal if you so desire or apply for stay, that is stay of execution.

“So, the maximum in law, jurisprudence and everything about the law, is that you obey the court’s ruling, judgement or order, no matter how bad.
“So, we expect them to get back to the classrooms but that doesn’t foreclose negotiations, the negotiations should be on as a matter of fact, it will be on officially and non-officially. For example, the House of Representatives had invited us to come and brief them. And together, they are stakeholders.

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“You heard Mr. President said to the committee of Pro-Chancellors, when they visited him, that he would do consultation as per the two request on putting an icing on the cake, on the government’s offer to ASUU members and the issue of resettlement fund to cushion the effect of the ‘no work no pay’ situation they found themselves.”

Law Infraction: NLC Intervenes for ASUU

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has waded into the brewing conflict between the Federal Ministry of Labour and ASUU over alleged non-rendition of annual financial returns and audited accounts by the union.
Ngige had accused the leadership of ASUU of failing to submit the annual audited account of its finances as required by law for the past five years.

Owing to this, he said the union was in violation of the relevant section of the Trade Union Act requiring unions to submit their audited account to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the office of the Registrar of Trade Unions.

Ngige disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), a new group seeking registration, stating that ASUU risks losing its certificate of registration.
He said the law requires that the union and other registered trade unions to audit their account at least once every year and to indicate how they utilise the funds accruing from check off dues paid by their members.
Ngige said that by not submitting the audited accounts for five years running, the union has violated the provisions of Section 37(1) of the Trade Union Act (CAP TILFN 2004).

He said ASUU’s registration as a trade union may be withdrawn because of this.
However, NLC has written to the Registrar of Trade Unions, pleading that it should accept and file the annual financial returns and audited accounts, presented by ASUU on September 9.
In a letter signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, addressed to the Registrar of Trade Unions and copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment yesterday in Abuja, Wabba said: “We understand that ASUU has responded to your query to submit its Annual Financial Reports and Audited Accounts within 72 hours
“ASUU responded to the query through their letter dated Sept. 9. In the letter, the union posited that it had submitted the Annual Financial Returns and Audited Accounts for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“ASUU also averred that the union has now rendered the account for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 as at 9th September 2022.
“All these submissions were made in less than 72 hours in compliance with your query as conveyed in your letter.
“We also understand that ASUU sent one of their staff and their external auditor to personally deliver the requested financial documents on Sept. 9.
“But their efforts to submit the documents were rebuffed by your staff who insisted that they were under instructions not to accept any document from ASUU.
“ASUU subsequently sent the requested financial documents through courier services but again the staff in your office refused to receive the Annual Financial Returns and the Audited Accounts from ASUU.”

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Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)

Published

39 minutes ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)

LAGOS, Nigeria — Tension erupted on Tuesday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway as commercial mini-bus operators, popularly called korope drivers, staged a protest against a state-imposed ban on their operations along the corridor. The demonstration, which occurred during peak hours around the Ajah axis, caused vehicular movement to nearly grind to a halt, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and triggering heavy traffic gridlock across adjoining routes. Eyewitnesses reported that drivers parked their buses across the carriageway, chanting and demanding the immediate reversal of the restriction.

Security operatives were deployed to restore order, and traffic flow gradually resumed after several hours of disruption.

Some of the protesting drivers said the ban threatens their primary source of income, as the Lekki–Epe corridor has historically been one of the most profitable routes for informal transport operators. “We have families to feed. You cannot just wake up and push us off the road without providing an alternative,” one driver told reporters. The operators called on the government to reconsider the policy or integrate them into the new transport structure rather than exclude them entirely.

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The Lagos State Government, however, defended the restriction, describing the protest as unlawful and disruptive to public order. Authorities explained that the Lekki–Epe Expressway has been designated as a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative, aimed at modernizing public transport, improving safety, and reducing traffic chaos caused by unregulated operations.

According to Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, consultations were held with transport stakeholders before enforcement, and the transition was not sudden. Small vehicles such as korope buses are now expected to operate on feeder and community routes under the state’s First and Last Mile transport strategy, while high- and medium-capacity buses serve the main corridor.

The ongoing transport reform seeks to replace informal minibuses on major highways with structured, regulated services featuring larger buses and digital ticketing systems. Government officials argue that this will enhance commuter safety, improve traffic flow, and boost economic productivity along one of Lagos’ fastest-growing corridors.

Critics, however, note that informal transport remains a backbone of daily commuting for thousands of residents. Abrupt enforcement without adequate absorption of displaced drivers could exacerbate economic hardship for affected operators.

Many commuters expressed frustration over the disruption caused by the protest but also sympathized with the drivers. “It’s difficult for us because we rely on these buses every day,” said a commuter stranded at Ajah. “The government and the drivers need to find a middle ground.”

As of press time, authorities had restored calm, but the incident underscores the growing tensions between informal transport operators and the Lagos State Government’s efforts to formalize the transport system.

Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban

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Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)

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Tinubu Urges Senate to Confirm Yusuf for NAHCON, Marafa for INEC

Published

5 hours ago

February 18, 2026

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Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf

Tinubu Urges Senate to Confirm Yusuf for NAHCON, Marafa for INEC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian Senate to swiftly confirm the nominations of Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Rear Admiral Jemila Abubakar Marafa (retd.) as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The move underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening leadership in key federal institutions ahead of critical national events.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu stressed the urgency of filling the leadership gap at NAHCON, following the resignation of the previous chairperson. Ambassador Yusuf, a seasoned diplomat and former Nigerian envoy to Türkiye, brings significant international experience and administrative expertise, making him well-positioned to lead the commission in managing future Hajj operations efficiently.

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For INEC, the nomination of Rear Admiral Marafa (retd.) is aimed at reinforcing the commission’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. Representing Adamawa State, Marafa’s confirmation would bolster electoral governance, ensuring transparency, credibility, and smooth conduct of national elections.

Both nominations were formally read during Senate plenary and referred to the relevant committees — the Committee on Foreign Affairs for NAHCON and the Committee on Electoral Matters for INEC — with directives for expedited review and reporting within one week.

The President emphasized that having qualified and experienced leadership in statutory bodies like NAHCON and INEC is essential for national stability, and Senate confirmation will enable the nominees to assume office with full legal authority and mandate.

Tinubu Urges Senate to Confirm Yusuf for NAHCON, Marafa for INEC

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Falana, Jibrin, Bugaje Lead Opposition to US Military Presence in Nigeria

Published

9 hours ago

February 18, 2026

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US Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency

Falana, Jibrin, Bugaje Lead Opposition to US Military Presence in Nigeria

Some prominent Nigerians have condemned the reported US military presence in Nigeria, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty, a potential breach of the 1999 Constitution, and a dangerous precedent for foreign military interference in the country’s security affairs.

The criticism followed the arrival of United States military aircraft in Nigeria last week, shortly after American and Nigerian officials disclosed plans to deploy about 200 US soldiers in advisory and training roles. US officials said the aircraft movements would continue for several weeks as part of a temporary counterterrorism mission.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has insisted that the US personnel are technical specialists, not combat troops, and that they will operate strictly under the authority and control of the Nigerian government, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The military stressed that the deployment does not amount to the establishment of a foreign base or independent US operations on Nigerian soil.

Despite these assurances, a coalition of lawyers, academics and civil society figures issued a joint statement titled “No to Foreign Forces in Our Land: Defend Our Sovereignty”, warning that the presence of foreign troops raises serious constitutional, legal and national security concerns.

The statement was signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), political scientist Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Dr Dauda Garuba, Prof Massaud Omar, Prof Mohammed Kuna, Engr YZ Ya’u, and political activist Usman Bugaje.

They recalled Nigeria’s long-standing resistance to foreign military domination, warning against what they described as a creeping neo-colonial security arrangement. According to the group, Nigeria’s independence was founded on firm opposition to external military control, a principle they said must not be compromised under any guise.

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The signatories referenced the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact of 1960, which was abrogated in 1962 following widespread public protests, arguing that political independence without military sovereignty is incomplete. They also cited Nigeria’s rejection of foreign pressure during the 1976 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit on Angola, recalling the historic declaration by Murtala Mohammed that Africa would no longer operate under the influence of extra-continental powers.

The group further highlighted past attempts to impose military cooperation agreements on Nigeria, including a proposed US–Nigeria defence pact in 2001 that was withdrawn after opposition from the Ministry of Defence, and the Bilateral Immunity Agreement (BIA) signed in 2003 and later nullified by the Senate in 2005 for violating constitutional provisions and the Rome Statute.

They cited Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires National Assembly approval before any international treaty can have the force of law in Nigeria, insisting that any foreign military deployment must follow due legislative process.

Rejecting claims that Nigeria lacks the capacity to defend itself, the group pointed to the strong peacekeeping record of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the United Nations, African Union, and ECOMOG missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone. They argued that Nigeria should prioritise modernising its military, strengthening intelligence coordination, improving troop welfare, investing in local defence production, and addressing the root causes of insecurity rather than outsourcing national defence.

In a separate interview, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim warned that Nigerians appear less vigilant today than in the 1960s, when public resistance forced the government to abandon foreign defence pacts. He questioned the effectiveness of US military interventions globally, arguing that such involvement often deepens insecurity rather than resolves it.

Observers say the controversy has reignited debate over how Nigeria should balance international security cooperation with the need to protect national sovereignty, constitutional order, and democratic accountability amid rising security challenges across the country.