The Governing Council of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has lambasted the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogwashi-Uku Chapter, over its two-week warning strike, describing the action as ill-advised, politically motivated, and aimed at derailing investigations into alleged certificate racketeering within the institution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council Chairman, Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, alleged that the union’s leadership was being influenced by elements seeking to obstruct transparency and accountability. He said the strike was a “deliberate attempt to pressure the government into halting legitimate inquiries into corruption allegations.”
Adingwupu recalled that the crisis stemmed from allegations of certificate and result racketeering, financial recklessness, and misappropriation of funds involving some principal officers, including the Rector and Registrar. He explained that the matter had already been referred to the Delta State House of Assembly after a preliminary review by the office of the Deputy Governor to ensure fairness and due process.
Expressing disappointment in the union’s actions, the Council said it was “bewildered that ASUP, which should focus on staff welfare, has chosen to meddle in issues outside its mandate.”
“This strike is nothing but an attempt to blackmail the government into doing what is legally and ethically wrong,” the statement read.
The Council further clarified that the officers suspended in connection with the alleged misconduct, including the Registrar, were not ASUP members but belonged to other unions. It questioned why ASUP would embark on industrial action on their behalf.
“If the affected officers belong to other unions, why is ASUP taking up their case? Where are the unions representing them? This clearly shows that ASUP has been compromised to protect certain interests rather than its members,” the statement added.
In response to the union’s demand for the reinstatement of the suspended Registrar, the Council emphasised that the matter was already before a competent court and, therefore, was sub judice.
“The union should allow the court process to take its course. There is no justification for this industrial action,” it stated.
The Governing Council also accused ASUP of hypocrisy, noting that while the union had previously praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for being labour-friendly, it still proceeded to call a strike.
“If the Governor has been that supportive of workers, why are they turning around to undermine his administration with this action?” the Council queried.
According to the Council, the strike “has nothing to do with staff welfare or conditions of service” but is “a calculated attempt to derail investigations and shield certain management officials from accountability.”
“This strike is politically motivated and contrary to the principles of collective bargaining. The union should stop being used as a pawn in this matter,” it maintained.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process and institutional integrity, the Council urged the State Government and the public to disregard the strike, describing it as “a self-serving move that does not represent the true interest of polytechnic workers.”
“Our duty is to restore sanity and protect the image of this institution. No amount of blackmail will stop us from doing what is right,” the Council concluded.
