Ondo Varsity Union Leaders go underground over fear of arrest

The protracted labour unrest at the Ondo State owned Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba Akoko is far from being over as leaders of the three unions under the aegis of Joint Action Committee (JAC) have gone underground. They are allegedly being trailed by security agents on the directive of the state government Workers in the institution being headed by Prof. Olufemi Mimiko recently protested against poor condition of service career structure, elongation of typist cadre, inconclusive 2010/2011 promotion exercise,arrears of 33 months hazard allowance and selective victimization of some staff particularly one Mr. P.O Tametawo who has not received his salary for the past 22 months. Tameta was said to have faced two separate panels set up by the Vice Chancellor,Prof Mimiko
and was discharged and acquitted, yet his salary is yet to be reinstated. A source close to the University said because of the protest,its management has concluded plan to arrest seven of the union leaders. Those penciled down for arrest are the Chairman, Non Academic staff Union (NASU) Aguda Bamidele, Vice Chairman,Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) , Mrs. Akingbesote,Chairman, National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT), Comrade Giwa, NASU Treasurer, C.A Ekundayo,and NAAT secretary, E.O Akele as well as two others for leading recent workers protest at the University. The management described the workers’ action as insubordinate and inimical to Governor Mimiko’s second term ambition. The source added that a woman attached to VC’s office has been appointed to frame up the Union leaders. It was revealed that a clandestine meeting was held at the Government House last Sunday, the meeting was allegedly chaired by the Governor with his younger brother, Prof. Mimiko and some other top University and government functionaries in attendance. The source said “ At the meeting, a certain Magistrate was invited to the meeting and was briefed to deny these Union leaders bail after their arrest until after October 20 election They are to be arrested any moment from now, and appear in court before detention. A member of the JAC’s executive who spoke in confidence said “ We are concerned because of a recent development in which a Magistrate denied bail to ACN members over a bailable trumped up charge,we learnt that the prosecution of the Union leaders is to be personally led by the State Attorney –General” The AAU Union leader urged Mimiko to shed this idea, stressing that it will further dent the image of his administration and the ruling LP. According to him,the governor should note that no condition is permanent,saying “whether he likes it or not, he will leave his office one day and posterity will thereafter judge him because of his craftiness.”