The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, have dissociated themselves from the aspect of the recent Higher Institutions Joint Action Committee (HIJAC) ultimatum relating to the reappointment of the Rector of the institution.
The unions, however, reaffirmed their commitment to the legitimate welfare, financial and professional interests of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions, including the implementation of earned allowances, payment of promotion and step-increment arrears, settlement of salary-related arrears, improved staff welfare and career progression.
In a statement issued by Sarah Alamene on behalf of SSANIP and NASU, the unions expressed concern over the inclusion of the Rector’s reappointment among the issues for which collective protest or industrial action had been contemplated.
According to the unions, the reappointment of the Rector falls within the purview of the appropriate institutional and administrative authorities, particularly the Governing Council and the State Government.
They noted that the matter was already receiving attention through the appropriate channels and, consequently, maintained that SSANIP and NASU members should not be presented as supporting, endorsing or participating in any protest specifically directed at the Rector’s reappointment.
“For the avoidance of doubt, SSANIP and NASU, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, were neither consulted nor did they authorize the inclusion of the Rector’s reappointment in the HIJAC position or ultimatum,” the statement said.
The unions further stated that their members should not be represented as participants in, or supporters of, any protest or collective action specifically targeted at the Rector’s reappointment.
They stressed that their position should not be misconstrued as a rejection of HIJAC or its legitimate objectives, noting that they remained committed to the committee on matters concerning staff welfare, salaries, allowances, career progression, working conditions and other legitimate labour interests.
“On matters relating to the welfare, salaries, allowances, career progression, working conditions, and other legitimate labour interests of staff of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State, SSANIP and NASU remain committed to HIJAC and support every lawful and constructive effort aimed at securing the legitimate entitlements of workers,” the unions stated.
However, they maintained that there should be a clear distinction between legitimate labour and welfare issues and the matter of the Rector’s reappointment. According to them, the reappointment issue should be addressed through appropriate institutional, administrative and legal channels rather than being presented as a collective position of the non-teaching staff of Bayelsa State Polytechnic.
“Consequently, the non-teaching staff of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, under the aegis of SSANIP and NASU, will not participate in any peaceful protest, demonstration or other collective action arising specifically from or directed at the Rector’s reappointment,” the statement declared.
The unions reiterated their commitment to industrial harmony, constructive engagement, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of legitimate labour matters. They also urged all relevant stakeholders to respect the distinct positions of the various unions and institutions involved and refrain from attributing to SSANIP and NASU, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, any position, decision or action that had not been authorized or endorsed by the unions.
The statement concluded: “Our position is therefore unequivocal: we stand with HIJAC on the legitimate welfare and financial demands of workers, but we hereby dissociate ourselves completely from the inclusion of the Rector’s reappointment in the proposed protest or any related collective action.”