Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the immediate ‘suspension of all union activities’ at the state-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), as part of efforts to restore stability in the institution.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi, and made available to journalists in Akure.

In the copy of the statement obtained by The Nation, the decision followed recent developments within the polytechnic, prompting government intervention to ensure normalcy in both academic and administrative operations.

“In line with the government’s directive, Management wishes to inform members of the polytechnic community that the activities of staff unions within the institution have been suspended until further notice,” the statement read.

Although the union leaders in the polytechnic have kicked against the governor’s directive, describing it as ‘draconian.’

However, the statement added that the leadership of the affected unions has also been suspended from official engagements pending further administrative review.

The management further directed all staff to resume their duties immediately, stressing that the measure was necessary to safeguard the academic calendar and maintain order within the institution.

“The Management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, has directed the immediate resumption of academic and administrative duties by all staff following the intervention of the Ondo State Government in the ongoing industrial situation within the institution.

“This follows directives issued by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, aimed at restoring normalcy and ensuring the continued smooth operation of the Polytechnic,” the statement added.

It also warned that the “No Work, No Pay” policy would be enforced in line with extant Public Service Rules, noting that salaries of staff who fail to comply with the directive would be affected.

The management emphasised that the measures are aimed at restoring stability, ensuring institutional continuity, and safeguarding the academic calendar.

All staff members are hereby directed to resume their official duties immediately in compliance with the Government’s directive.

“Management further notes that the “No Work, No Pay” policy will be enforced in accordance with extant Public Service Rules, and salaries of staff who fail to comply with the directive to resume duty will be affected accordingly.

“These measures, Management emphasises, are aimed at restoring stability, ensuring institutional continuity, and safeguarding the academic calendar of the Polytechnic,” it said.

While reaffirming its commitment to continued engagement with relevant stakeholders, the institution urged all staff to cooperate in the overall interest of the polytechnic.

The polytechnic management reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and administrative excellence.

Reacting to the directive, a member of ASUP, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said the union would resist every attempt by the government to silence their voice.

“It is surprising that the governor will wake and ally with the management to suspend union activities. This is a draconian decision. We reject it and we shall resist every attempt to silence our voices for demanding what is right,” he said.

The development is believed to be connected to the lingering industrial dispute in the polytechnic over minimum wage-related issue, which had disrupted activities in recent times.

The workers of the polytechnic, under the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) had been raising concerns over the failure of the Governor Aiyedatiwa led administration to implement the minimum wage for them.

The polytechnic staffs had been demanding staff for the payment of the N70, 000 National Minimum Wage.

Last week, the governor constituted a five-member committee to review the implementation of the new minimum wage for polytechnic staff.

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, and announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, was set up following a series of engagements with the institution’s management and labour unions over the harmonisation of salary structures. (The Nation)

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