Gov. Ortom begs ASUU to call off strike

Governor  Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Tuesday appealed to the striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Benue State University to return to their classrooms and allow room for dialogue over issues bordering them.

The lecturers had embarked on strike last week over issue of earned allowances among others which they have insisted must be addressed by the state government.

 READ: Real reasons why ASUU BSU chapter embarked on indefinite strike

But, Ortom while attending to people of Mbagba and Nanev communities in Ushongo and Kwande local government area respectively who paid him a visit at Government House urged the ASUU members to return to work as he assured that the problem of unpaid earned allowances which started four years before he assumed office would be looked into.

He worried about letting over 30, 000 students of the university go back to their homes, as that would mean exposing to them idleness and other social vices.

The governor noted that the salaries of BSU staff have been paid up-to-date and maintained that the problem of payment of salaries to workers at the state and local government levels would be tackled during the period of emergency declared few days ago.

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In another development, the State House of Assembly today called on the governor to explain to them what he meant by declaring a state of emergency on salaries.

The Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, had ruled on a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Ukum constituency, Paul Biam and seconded by Joe Ojobo representing Ogbadibo constituency.