The Benue State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-BSU) has refuted media reports claiming that it is calling for the dismissal of the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Tor Iorapuu.
In a press release dated March 7, 2024, signed by Comrades Kwagfan Tarnongo and Terrumun Gajir, the chairman and secretary, respectively, of ASUU-BSU, the Union expressed its displeasure with the media report, stating that it neglected the principle of fair hearing, which affords an accused party the opportunity to present its side of the story.
As a reminder, ASUU-BSU embarked on a strike on February 15, 2024, to push for the legitimate entitlements of its members, which include the implementation of promotions and annual step increments, payment of accrued arrears of promotion and annual step increments, and payment of earned academic allowances (EAA) and honoraria for self-sustaining programs of the University. All of these have been funded by the Benue State Government to the tune of seventy million naira (N70,000,000.00) since January 2023.
The Union expressed its shock at the misleading media publication, stating that it is an attempt to reduce its legitimate struggle for members' entitlements to the removal of the Vice Chancellor. It further stated that the misleading report is an attempt at disinformation, sponsored to blackmail the Branch and poison the minds of unsuspecting members of the public.
In the press release, ASUU-BSU stressed that the strike was embarked upon solely to press for the entitlements of its members, as highlighted in preceding paragraphs, and not for any other reason. It implored media houses to adhere to the principles of journalism and avoid sponsored sensationalism, while assuring them of its availability to confirm or refute any allegations.
The Union also urged the Benue public, particularly students and other stakeholders, to be cautious in digesting fake news. Finally, the sponsors of this fake news are warned to refrain from further attempts to malign and blackmail the Branch, as ASUU-BSU will utilize all legitimate means to expose them and hold them accountable.
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