by Peregba Jerry
The Honourable Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Stanley Braboke has met with the State Executives of the Higher Institutions Joint Action Committee (HIJAC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a bid to avert the proposed strike action by the associations.
Speaking at the meeting which held on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Yenagoa, Hon. Braboke stated that the proposed strike by the associations necessitated the emergency meeting.
He said that the State Government is fully abreast of their demands and added that the technical committee set up by Governor Douye Diri is working assiduously to ensure their demands are met.
The Labour Commissioner, however, implored the executives of HIJAC and ASUU to call off the proposed strike scheduled to start on Monday, August 9, 2021.
He appealed to them to await the outcome of the meeting scheduled with the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on Monday, that same day.
In their separate comments, the Chairman, HIJAC, Mr. Gbenizibe Amachree Esq. and the Chairman, ASUU, Prof. Tonbara Kingdom expressed their displeasure over the protracted delay by the State Government towards meeting their demands, adding that their decision to embark on a strike was in the interest of their members.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Arc. Ere Efeke, Directors and Heads of Departments, Secretary, ASUU, Dr. Ebi Baraka, the Secretary, HIJAC, Comrade Lucky Brambaifa amongst others.
They stated that the Commissioner’s appeal will be relayed to their members and the outcome passed to the Honourable Commissioner.
