ASUU rejects probe panel on invasion of Edo congress

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University in Edo State on Thursday rejected the probe panel set up by the University administration on the invasion and subsequent disruption of the union’s congress on August 20, 2019.
The union, also passed no confidence vote on the chairman of the committee whom it described as a protégé of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo.
The Chairperson, Monday Igbafen, and Anthony Aizebioje Coker, Secretary of ASUU in the university at a media briefing on the congress resolutions yesterday, claimed the university’s administration is a principal suspect in the attack.
Suspected students violently invaded the union’s congress on August 20, 2019 and inflicted injuries on members, leading to their hospitalisation as a result of the attack.
The union were holding the congress in the school premises to receive the report of Writ of Court Summons instituted by wife of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Janet I. Onimawo against it when the attackers struck.
The union, ‘’Therefore demanded for a higher authority (the University Council) to handle the probe of the invasion and the general problem of insecurity of its members within two weeks, failing which the union will take further necessary action.”
Igbafe emphasized that his suspicion is based on an existing frosty relationship and the previous attack on the congress; as well as threat to the union’s leaders, by the university.
According to him, ‘’having received the antecedent and previous attack on the Congress/Union and the general security on the campus, congress further resolved and affirmed that security had totally collapsed and that lives and properties are no longer guaranteed.”
Continuing, Igbafe said, ‘’Congress resolved and mandated EXCO to address the press on the worsening problem of insecurity on the campus with particular reference to the safety of members and the continued performance of their duties of teaching, research and community services.
‘’The congress also noted the threat to the life of the chairperson of the branch and commended the steps taken so far, both by the branch and the pro-chancellor.’
Responding, the spokesman for the university, Mr. Edward Aihevba, denied that the VC masterminded the attack, adding that it was students that violently disrupted ASUU meeting.
Aihevbe who condemned the attack, said the university’s management has begun investigation into the incident.