Falana, Ngige Disagree over Non-payment of ASUU Members’ Salaries

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has accused the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige of discrimination in the implementation of the federal government's ‘no work, no pay’ order against university lecturers for embarking on strike.

But in a swift reaction, the Minister refuted the allegations.

The dispute over the federal government’s directive to withhold Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) members’ eight months salaries is subject of an on-going suit at the National Industrial Court in Abuja.

Following the federal government's order, payment of arrears of salaries of ASUU members who participated in the prolonged nationwide strike were put on hold.

But Falana who is counsel to ASUU, said the minister has not displayed fairness in handling of the matter.

He alleged the minister had selected his colleagues in his home state, Anambra for special favour by causing their salaries to be paid for the period of the same strike.

Falana, also alleged that contrary to the claim by Ngige, the entire lecturers of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, joined the ASUU strike that took place last year.

He said: "The university management ordered the closure of the university on 21st March, 2022. Following the decision of

ASUU to call off the strike, the management of the university ordered the resumption of academic activities with effect from October 17, 2022.

"Ngige has convinced the federal government not to pay ASUU members for embarking on strike in 2022. But he has decided to isolate his colleagues in his home state for special favour by causing their salaries to be paid for the period of the same strike."