The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced suspension for a month, of the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike over withheld salaries.

The unions, in a joint statement on Sunday, said the suspension of the indefinite strike will take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The statement was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU.

The strike was commenced on the Monday, October 28, 2024 as a result of what the unions called “government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands.”

The statement read: “The National leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU acknowledges and commends our members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres for their unwavering resolve, unrelenting determination and steadfast support for the ongoing strike action.

“You will recall that the ongoing strike action foisted on us commenced on the Monday, 28th October, 2024 as a result of government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands

“During this industrial struggle, we have had several extensive and exhaustive deliberations with the officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the leadership of the Department of State Services

“These high-level engagements culminated into extracting an irrevocable commitment from the Federal government that the 2 months of the 4 months withheld salaries would be paid in staggered form. One month by the end of October, 2024 (which has largely been done), then the second month to be paid by the end of November, 2024.

“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one- month effective Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.

“Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint Congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 4th November, 2024 and intimate members of these development and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.

“We wish to also reiterate that discussions on the remaining 2 months, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations.

“Thank you for your usual understanding and cooperation in this regard; we appreciate your total commitment and resoluteness during this struggle.”

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has expressed satisfaction over the smooth electoral process in Saturday’s local government elections in the State.

Otti spoke in an interview with journalists after casting his vote at Ahiafor Umuru-Umuehim Nvosi Polling Unit 017 in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

He also expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and orderly conduct of the exercise. The governor was accompanied to the polling unit by his wife Priscilla, who also voted in the same unit.

He said that, aside from minor disruptions in Obingwa and Ohafia LGAs, the process was largely peaceful, with security agencies deployed to maintain order where needed.

He encouraged the electorate to always vote for credible candidates, who could deliver their campaign promises.

He also reiterated the importance of choosing leaders based on competence, rather than political affiliation.

Otti said that council elections were particularly significant because they impact rural communities directly, allowing residents to elect candidates they know and trust.

“The point remains that political parties are platforms for running elections and like you would notice, a lot of political parties have problems but irrespective of that, we have advocated that people should vote candidates that are credible and competent to deliver.

“If you want to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy, if you want to continue to enjoy performance then, you need to vote people like that.

“I believe that this election would synchronize with that call I’ve been making because people have also been talking about it, that they are going to vote people who have capacity.

“And it’s a local government election. We all know our people,” Otti said.

He further expressed the hope that the elections would reflect the people’s desire for capable leadership and reinforce the delivery of democratic dividends at the grassroots level.

The local government election, which suffered initial hiccups over the late arrival of materials and officials, later gathered momentum.

Meanwhile, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) won a total of 15 council seats while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) won two local government areas.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has denied claims suggesting that he filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged plans to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure in office.

A statement by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Pedro Lawal, clarified that Governor Sanwo-Olu has neither filed a lawsuit nor engaged any legal counsel to address these purported accusations.

Pedro emphasized the absurdity of such claims, highlighting that the governor, who currently enjoys constitutional immunity, has nearly three years remaining in office and thus would not seek legal recourse in this manner.

“The EFCC is not investigating the Governor, nor has it issued any threats of arrest against him or any member of his staff,” Pedro asserted.

He further stated that an inquiry into the origins of these claims is underway, expressing concern over how such misinformation surfaced without their knowledge.

Pedro reiterated that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to exemplary service and prudent management of public resources, asserting that the governor is focused on enhancing the living conditions of Lagosians rather than being preoccupied with unfounded allegations.

“Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not have anything to fear when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027,” he stated.

The Attorney General urged media organizations to exercise caution in their reporting, warning against the dissemination of misleading information that could skew public perception.

“We encourage journalists to verify their sources and ensure that their reports are rooted in fact,” Pedro concluded.