Ogwashi-Uku Poly Council Blasts ASUP Over Strike, Accuses Union Of Shielding Top Management

The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has criticized the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogwashi-Uku Chapter, for embarking on a two-week warning strike, describing the move as ill-advised and influenced by hidden interests seeking to obstruct ongoing investigations into alleged certificate racketeering at the institution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman, Governing Council, Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu, had alleged that the union’s leadership was acting under the influence of individuals opposed to transparency and accountability. It claimed that the strike was designed to pressure the government into halting legitimate inquiries into corruption allegations.

The Council Chairman, Hon (Pastor) Paul Adingwupu recalled that the crisis stemmed from allegations of certificate and result racketeering, recklessness and misappropriation of funds, involving some principal officers, including the Rector and Registrar. It explained that the matter had been taken up by the Delta State House of Assembly after preliminary review by the office of the Deputy Governor to ensure fairness and due process.

Expressing disappointment, the Council said it was bewildered that ASUP, which should focus on staff welfare, had chosen to meddle in issues unrelated to 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 pointed out that those suspended in connection with the alleged misconduct, including the Registrar, were not ASUP members but belonged to other unions within the polytechnic. It questioned the union’s motive for embarking on a strike on behalf of individuals who were not its members.

“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.

On the demand for the reinstatement of the suspended Registrar, the Council stated that the matter was already before a competent court, and therefore sub judice. “The union should allow the court process to take its course. There is no justification for this industrial action,” it said.

The Governing Council also accused the union of double standards, noting that while ASUP leaders had commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for being labour-friendly, they still went ahead 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.

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According to the statement, the strike has nothing to do with staff welfare or conditions of service, but is rather 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,” the Council maintained.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process and institutional integrity, the Council called on 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.