UNN workers resume protest to press for removal of VC

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Academic and administrative activities were paralysed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) following resumed protests by the workers calling for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo.

The union members under the aegis of Joint Action Committee (JAC) started the protest on Monday with a prayer at the institution’s Freedom Square.

The workers comprising academic and non-academic staff later marched round the campus, chanting war songs calling for the removal of Okolo.

Addressing newsmen, the spokesman of JAC and Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-UNN), Dr Ifeanyichukwu Abada, urged the federal government to commence the probe of the vice chancellor.

“The government should reinstate the suspended pro-chancellor or make public the offence he committed.

“UNN workers want the government to set up a panel of inquiry to probe Okolo on his financial recklessness and refusal to adhere to due process in awarding contracts.

“We will continue this protest until justice is done through government intervention,” he said.

The workers started the protest on December 18, 2013 when the government removed its former Pro-chancellor, Dr Emeka Enejere.

Those present during the protest included the leader of the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr Godfrey Ugwu, Mr Anthony Onwu of the Nigerian Association of Teachers of Technology (NATT) and Mr Paul Obodoike of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

Police and other security agents were on hand to ensure that the protest was not violent. (NAN)