Former presidential aide and ex-lawmaker, Senator Ita Enang, has called on the Federal Government to institute legal action against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for contempt of court following the union’s ongoing warning strike, which began on Monday.
Enang made the call while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, describing ASUU’s decision to embark on the strike as “a direct affront to the rule of law and the authority of the National Industrial Court.”
He recalled that the court had previously issued an order restraining ASUU from embarking on industrial action during the last major dispute with the Federal Government in 2022, noting that the order remained in force unless vacated by a competent court.
“ASUU is in contempt of an existing court order,” Enang stated. “The Federal Government should immediately initiate contempt proceedings to protect the integrity of the judiciary and the sanctity of the rule of law. No union or group should be allowed to undermine court decisions.”
The former presidential adviser expressed concern that the latest strike could further disrupt the academic calendar and worsen the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector, especially for students who had only recently resumed normal academic activities after previous disruptions.
He urged ASUU to return to dialogue rather than resort to what he called “illegal and counterproductive” industrial actions.
“Dialogue remains the only path to resolving industrial disputes in the education sector,” Enang said. “The government has shown commitment to addressing the union’s concerns, and ASUU should reciprocate by respecting legal processes and engaging constructively.”
ASUU had on Monday declared a one-week warning strike to protest alleged government failure to meet its outstanding demands, including unpaid earned allowances, revitalization funds, and withheld salaries of its members.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has yet to respond officially to Enang’s comments, though sources hinted that the government may explore both legal and diplomatic options to prevent a prolonged disruption of academic activities.
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