The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu for the unconditional release of withheld salaries of university workers.
The union made the appeal in a statement yesterday by its President, Ibeji Nwokoma.
While welcoming the decision to grant a partial waiver for the release of four months withheld salaries subject to a Document of Understanding (DoU), the union rejected the DoU condition.
It argued that the condition was draconian and undermined the Right to Freedom of Expression and Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
The statement reads,
“It is important to make this statement in view of the recent statement that President Bola Tinubu has granted a partial waiver to workers of tertiary institutions based on the principles of presidential prerogative of mercy, subject to Federal Ministry of Education and that of Labour and Employment developing a Document of Understanding (DoU), before payment of the withheld salaries can be effected, as reported by the media.
“The NAAT considers this as worrisome. While we want to thank the President for his magnanimity in granting the partial waiver, we view the condition of DoU as draconian and undermining of our Fundamental Human Right to freedom of expression and association. Hence, NAAT rejects the DoU as a pre-condition for payment of the withheld salaries of our members.
“We also appeal to Mr. President to rescind his decision and approve unconditional payment of the withheld salaries immediately. The work loss as a result of the strike has since been covered through extra work hours and students graduated, currently undertaking their mandatory National Youth Service programme, nothing has been lost.
“NAAT calls on well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure payment of our withheld salaries in full for sustainable industrial harmony.”