The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ibadan Poly Chapter, has drawn the battle-line over what it considers to be a threat to the life of activist-lecturer, Comrade Femi Aborisade, and his family.

In a strongly worded communique issued yesterday containing its decisions during its emergency meeting of Monday “over the incessant attacks on Comrade Femi Aborisade and family,” the union indicted the school authourities over Aborisade’s ordeal and the deplorable security situation in the institution.

“Observedly, it is apparent that the myriad of security problems on our campuses, most especially the main campus, rested on the negligence of the Security Unit and the Management of the institution,” ASUP said. “The Union believes this could result to a decline in labour productivity, if it is not urgently and conclusively addressed,” it added.

Continuing, the communiqué signed by local ASUP Chairman O. A. Philip and secretary A, J. Adebayo said: “In view of the pervading insecurity of life and property of members and general insensitivity of the management to address the salient issue of security, ASUP hereby resolves as follows: That an ultimatum of two weeks is given within which the remote and immediate causes of the threats are investigated, specifically the latest attacks on Com. Aborisade, failure which the issue Union will take all the necessary action within its constitutional power.” 

ASUP meanwhile decided to set up a seven-man independent panel to investigate “the persistent attacks on Comrade Femi Aborisade.” The committee includes three non-members of the union, namely, Barrister Bamidele Aturu (Chairman), Barrister Macaulay Ugwumadu and Dr. Sola Olorunyomi, representing the Academic Staff of Universities.

Reacting to the communiqué, Comrade Ayodele Akele, Executive Director of Labour, Health and Human Rights Development Centre (LHHRDC), commended ASUP for moving “towards the realisation of a life of safety for Comrade Aborisade and family on one hand and the Ibadan Polytechnic community on the other.”

As reported on Monday by News Express, the LHHRDC had earlier indicted the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, Mr. Adebisi Adeniran, in connection with the November 22, 2012 and December 29, 2012 attacks on Aborisade.

•Photo: Comrade Aborisade.