Election Crisis : Let your Protests be Legal, NUT Tells Angry Teachers

•  JNC lauds Fayose’s welfarist programmes

Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti

Following crisis that trailed the conduct of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) 2016 delegate conference in Ekiti State, the union has advised aggrieved teachers to channel their petitions to the national headquarters rather than heating up the polity  unnecessarily.

NUT said the union is reputed for its dignity and honour in handling volatile issues of this nature, pleading for members to refrain from comments that could rip the union apart and cause disunity.

This came as the State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), has commended Governor Ayodele Fayose’s apolitical disposition in handling the affairs of the unions in the state.

JNC, in a statement by its Chairman, Com Johnson Oladipupo and Secretary, Com Blessing Oladele, praised Fayose for placing high premium on workers’ promotions, holding of agriculture summit, improvement of social and physical infrastructure and for not interfering in unions’ elections.

NUT, in a separate statement by its Secretary, Com Olugbenga
Ajibade in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, assured that all the noticeable
‘anomalies’ raised by some teachers about the conduct of the elections into the state executive council held on Thursday will be resolved amicably.

Ajibade was reacting to the violence that broke out during the chairmanship election , where supporters of Mr . Taiwo Adu had accused the leadership of skewing the delegates’ list in favour of the winner, Mr Segun Odugbesan.

He said: “We have to protect the good name the NUT had maintained for 80 years. The contestants have the right of complain by way of petition as provided in the constitution, but it has a liit and time frame to which the grievances can be addressed.

“It is unfortunate that the same ugly event that occurred four years ago was almost made to repeat itself, which could have affected the image of our union.

“In spite of the governor’s plea, it was unfortunate that some people still resorted to violence, an act that was alien to peace-loving teachers of Ekiti State. But we want to assure them that all their grievances will be looked into.”

NUT, however, urged the newly elected officials to be cautious about the statement they are making to ensure speedy reconciliation of all contending forces.

JNC urged workers to continue to maintain peace and find a way of
complementing the government’s efforts by being dedicated to duties.