A crisis over non-remittance of N138 million check-off dues is brewing in the Academy Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar (Unical) chapter.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged fraud dates back to 2019 under the leadership of the immediate past executive of the chapter led by John Edor.
The non-remittance of the said dues to the national secretariat of the union led to the suspension of the chapter by the national leadership of ASUU.
NAN reports that the alleged fraud has been the subject of a suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Some concerned lecturers from the university — John Inaku and nine others — are complainants, while ASUU (National) and two others are defendants.
What claimants want from court
The claimants are seeking 15 reliefs from the national industrial court, including a declaration that they cannot repay or remit again their check-off dues already deducted from their salaries.
They are also seeking an order directing the first defendant (ASUU national) to forthwith lift the suspension of the second defendant (ASUU, Unical chapter) and restore all rights, privileges, and benefits due to the claims as members of ASUU.
In addition, they want the court to direct the third Defendant (John Edor) to render a true and proper account of all dues collected during his tenure.
Furthermore, they want the court to compel the third defendant to refund N138, 782,840.97 not remitted to the first defendant by him or such sum as may be found due upon rendition of accounts for remittance of same to the first defendant.
They want the court order the first defendant to take disciplinary action against the third defendant in line with the ASUU constitution and Trade Unions Act.
They also want the court to restrain the defendants from taking any punitive measures or action whatsoever against the claimants on account of the suit or any matter related thereto.
In addition, the claimants want the court to order the first defendant to pay the claimants N150 million as general damages.
When contacted, Mr Edor said that he was aware of the matter and said there were “mechanisms of settling such issues”.
“I advise whoever is aggrieved to follow the process,” he said.
