Labour rejects Aiyedatiwa’s suspension of union activities at Ondo poly
Organised labour unions at Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) have rejected the suspension of union activities at the institution, ordered by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. At a protest yesterday
Organised labour unions at Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) have rejected the suspension of union activities at the institution, ordered by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
At a protest yesterday held at the polytechnic’s school gate, the union described the governor’s directive as unlawful and an attempt to silence workers.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had on Wednesday ordered the immediate ‘suspension of all union activities’ at RUGIPO, as part of efforts to restore stability to the institution.
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The governor’s directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi, and made available to reporters in Akure.
In a copy of the statement obtained by The Nation, the decision followed recent developments within the polytechnic, prompting government intervention to ensure normalcy in academic and administrative operations.
Rejecting the decision, the union said they were not opposed to the state government, but were only demanding their legitimate rights, particularly the implementation of the minimum wage.
Speaking on behalf of the union, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Mr Saka Olokungboye, faulted the process leading to the suspension.
He said they were neither consulted nor formally invited for dialogue before the directive was issued by the governor.
He lamented that despite the implementation of the new minimum wage in Ondo State since October 2024, workers of the polytechnic were yet to benefit.
