ASUU Strike: Anglican Bishop Urges Speedy Resolution

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rt. Rev. Isaac Oluyamo, has called on the federal government to see to the needs of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) so as to allow students resume their academic activities without further delay.

The cleric spoke in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, yesterday, while delivering an address at an occasion to mark his 7th year anniversary as the Bishop of the Diocese.

Speaking further at the occasion, which was also used to inaugurate a 300kva transformer and the road leading to Rehoboth at the Diocesan Headquarters, the clergyman said the students had spent too much time at home doing nothing. This, according to him, could lead them into vices.

Bishop Oluyamo also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to pray for a peaceful transition of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, noting that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

In his words, “As we continue our service to God and humanity, we appeal for prayers for our nation Nigeria; for peace and peaceful transition of Buhari’s administration. We can’t afford to let our great nation be divided through politics. We must not let ourselves down in this period because it’s a very sensitive time for our nation.

“We appeal to the federal government to see to the needs of ASUU so that students can resume academic activities without further delay. These students have stayed for too long at home, I urge both the federal government and leadership of ASUU to meet at a roundtable and resolve the issue in the interest of our future generation.”

Speaking on the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June 18 and July 16 respectively, Bishop Oluyamo urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other major players in the elections to play the game according to the rules for the benefit of the residents.

While appealing to all major stakeholders to allow individuals to exercise their political rights without threat or compulsion, the prelate also urged all to join hands to ensure the safety of lives and property across the two states before, during and after the polls.

“Politicians in Ekiti and Osun states must play the game of politics according to the rules and with the wisdom of God as June 18 and July 16 dates of the gubernatorial elections draw near. INEC should play their roles faithfully because we shall all be judged on the last day.

“Security personnel must not be seen to be corrupt or biased. They must live up to expectations. They must also collaborate with the existing security agencies and they should not be involved in abuse or misuse of office,” he said.

Oluyamo, who traced how he was enthroned on May 23, 2015, listed some of the achievements of the Diocese in the last seven years to include inauguration of vocational and business institute; Adebola and Oluranti Ademowo Clinic; Prof. Theophilus Taiwo Olowokure Pre-Varsity; and Campground, two chalets which were donated by the Olowoye and Faseru families; Most Rev Akinfenwa Guest House; borehole system; St. Michael’s Anglican Church and St. Matthew’s Primary School.