ASUU Strike: Nigeria Will Be Punished For FG's Action, Says Osodeke

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke has threatened that Nigeria as a country will suffer for the action of the Federal Government (FG).

The National Industrial Court (NIC) had on Wednesday ruled in favour of the federal government, directing the striking lecturers to end their strike and return to work.

Speaking to The Punch on Wednesday, Osodeke said the union will appeal the court ruling, requesting members of the national body to remain calm.

The ASUU boss, however, warned that the country will share in the punishment that will be meted federal government, maintaining that the move by the leadership of the nation was last experienced during the military regime.

He added that the government has also denied Nigerian children their rights.

“Our lawyer is filing an appeal and stay of execution of the ruling.

"Our members should remain calm and strong. A people united can never be defeated.

“If the FG believes that this is the best way to solve the problem, good for them.

"They have denied Nigerian children their rights.

"Nigeria as a country is going to be punished for what the FG has just done.

“You can be sure that thousands of my colleagues will leave this country.

"The last time we had this kind of treatment was during the military era,” Osodeke said.

The ASUU president and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had reacted to the court's judgement, with the latter maintaining that the ruling betrays equity.