PROLONGED CRISIS IN LASU: ERC Demands Independent Panel of Enquiry

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has condemned what it described as the un-abating witch-hunt and politically-motivated victimization of leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU LASU) and other unions at the Lagos State University (LASU). The rights organization blames the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun for the victimization.

In a statement co-signed by its National Coordinator, Hassan Taiwo and National Secretary, Soweto Ibukun Omole, the body said the attacks directed at ASUU LASU in the past few months have been most vicious and the aim is undoubtedly to destroy the soul of the union.

“At the moment, out of an 8-member executive of ASUU LASU, two (the Chairman and the Vice Chairman) have been unlawfully dismissed, three others have been queried while plans are in the works to victimize the remaining 3 officials as well as past executives. This state of affairs is unacceptable and it is high time students, staff, parents and Nigerians rose up to call Prof. Fagbohun to order.

“The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) is opposed to the harassment, witch-hunt, victimization and all attacks on democratic rights on-going in LASU. We demand the immediate and unconditional recall of Dr. Isaac Oyewumi, Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu (respectively Chairman and Vice Chairman of ASUU LASU) and all politically victimized staff in LASU.” The statement reads in part.

The ERC is also demanding an independent panel of inquiry composed of representatives of the labour movement, professional groups, alumni association, parents and students to look into the whole crisis including the allegations and the processes leading to the dismissal of two ASUU leaders, Dr. Isaac Oyewumi and Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu and others.

It insists , the developing and un-abating clampdown on unions and union leaders could throw LASU into another needless and avoidable crisis unless the independent panel of inquiry is inaugurated as soon as possible