WOES OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY (17) ASSU and strikes (continued) Strikes were instruments used by ASUU during the military regime, for which Atahiru Jega became popular for fighting IBB. It was the only option then because of the dictatorial powers of the President. It ought to be a different ball game in a democracy. The President lacks the power of appropriation in our democracy. ASSU ought to know that it is an impeachable offence for a President to spend outside the budget. The Ministry of Education is allocated funds for their activities in a financial year. When ASUU goes on strike in July, where do they expect the Ministry to get fund to meet their demand? The President cannot negotiate with ASUU and begin the implementation within the current financial year without presenting an Appropriation Budget to the National Assembly. ASUU knows that the National Assembly cannot just rubber stamp an Executive proposal, without taking into consideration the larger needs of the economy. Is there anything wrong in presenting the arguments about university autonomy and funding to the legislature? Are former University lecturers not in the Parliament who ought to understand these arguments? ASUU ought to understand that we are in a democracy and change their tactics. That strikes worked during the military does not mean that it will continue to work. Is there anything wrong in sponsoring their members into political offices? After all, President Goodluck Jonathan used to be one of them and one wonders why they would not trust him to do what is good for them. ASUU does not need a strike to draw attention to the fact that education should be properly funded. Strike is a cheap instrument of blackmail, which should have no place in a democracy. The egg-heads should know that the opportunity cost of this strike outweighs the illusive benefits. Please, I would implore ASUU to realize that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and end the strike forthwith.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:11:19 +0000