Strike: Protesting students to block Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Tuesday
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West zone, on Monday, said it would commence protests on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Sagamu Interchange) over the ongoing strike by the Acadamic Staff Union of Universities.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court may assign the case between the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities to another judge, The PUNCH reports.
A source, who spoke to The PUNCH on Monday, noted that the judge who presided over the case on Monday, Polycap Hamman, is a vacation judge.
“Justice Polycap Hamman is a vacation judge, the case will be reassigned to another judge for adjudication,” the source who was present at the court told our correspondent in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the case, which was filed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been adjourned till Friday.
The PUNCH reports that the suit against the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which was filed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige has been adjourned.
The Federal Government had asked the court to order ASUU to call off its seven months strike.
When the matter slated for mention came up on Monday, human rights activist and lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), informed the court that he was representing Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and that he had filed a suit on the same subject matter before the same court.
He also stated that in the suit NICN/ABJ/269/2022, SERAP is the claimant with the Federal Government as the defendant.
He, therefore, applied that the extant suit be consolidated and SERAP be joined in the suit as a defendant, instead of multiple suits on the same matter before the same court.
Counsel for the claimant, Mr T.A Gazali (SAN), in response said the application, adding that there was no need for SERAP to pray to be joined in a suit orally in a matter that did not have its name on the cause list.
ASUU’s counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), urged the court to step down the matter to enable both lawyers to file their papers and then return at a later date after he would have responded to the claimant’s process.
The judge adjourned the matter till Friday for further mention.
He also ruled that SERAP’s application to be joined in the suit was premature.
Students plan protest
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students, South West zone on Monday announced the commencement of a protest on the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
According to the association, the protest was organised as a result of the lingering ASUU strike. The association’s position was contained in a statement by its coordinator, Adegboye Olatunji.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have seen how meagre a sum is allocated to the educational sector. It is based on the foregoing that we declare a protest against the prolonged ASUU strike, which has ultimately affected the progress of Nigerian students for the past six months. And, we also passed a vote of no confidence on the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, and the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.
“The protest shall be held till the strike action is resolved. Convergence point: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Sagamu Interchange).”
ASUU faults Lalong
Also, the Plateau State University Chapter of ASUU has faulted the plan by the state governor, Simon Lalong, to implement a no-work-no-pay policy against its members who are currently on strike as a result of the industrial action embarked upon by the national secretariat of the union.
FAQs: Strike-Protesting Students to Block Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Tuesday
Why are students planning to block the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway?
The planned protest is reportedly linked to students’ concerns over issues affecting the education sector, including the ongoing industrial dispute involving university lecturers and other unresolved demands. The action is intended to draw the attention of the government and relevant authorities to their concerns.
When is the planned protest expected to take place?
The protesting students are expected to carry out the demonstration on Tuesday, with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway identified as a major location for the planned action. Motorists are advised to monitor developments and consider alternative routes where possible.
Who is organising the protest?
The protest is being organised by student groups and activists who are calling for government intervention in issues affecting students and the Nigerian education system. Specific participating organisations may vary depending on the latest developments.
How could the protest affect commuters?
A blockade of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway could cause significant traffic congestion, delays, and disruption for motorists travelling between Lagos, Ogun State, Ibadan, and other connected locations. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated on traffic conditions.
What should motorists do if the protest causes traffic disruption?
Motorists should check traffic updates before travelling, leave early where possible, and consider alternative routes if authorities announce diversions. They should also follow instructions from traffic management agencies and avoid attempting to drive through active protest areas.
