Former President Abdulsalami Urges ASUU To End Strike

A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Friday in Minna appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to call off their strike

in the collective interest of the country.

He made the call when he paid a Sallah visit to the Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, in the company of another former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

Mr. Abdulsalami said the striking lecturers had made their point and should, therefore, end the strike.

The strike which began on July 1 entered its 110th day on Friday.

“I appeal to everybody to give peace a chance. Let the striking lecturers sheathe their swords. The government should also resolve issues at stake as fast as possible.

“Just like former President Babangida said, I believe strike is normal all over the world, but in Nigeria, we are over doing it; strike in advanced countries is for hours or a few days.” Mr. Abdulsalami said.

On the security challenges facing the country, Mr. Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to play their roles as citizens by providing useful information on the activities of criminals to relevant agencies.

“The government in turn should protect its sources of information. Without peace, you cannot have a nation; without peace, you cannot start looking for daily bread.

“It is absolutely necessary that we join hands with the government to ensure that we have a peaceful nation.”

Mr. Aliyu thanked the two elder statesmen for the visit, noting that their wealth of experience had served as a useful guiding light to his administration.

In a related development, the Chief Imam of Bida Road Central Mosque, Kaduna, Raji Lukman, on Friday urged the Federal Government and ASUU to end the deadlock in the current strike by university lecturers.

Mr. Lukman, who made the call during the weekly Juma’at sermon, said it was important to end the strike so as not to cripple the education sector.

He urged the two sides to settle the matter amicably in order to allow students resume for their studies.

The Imam advised parent to take the responsibility of their children very seriously, by training them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

He also said that children must obey their parent for them to progress in life.

Mr. Lukman called on Muslims to pray for the safe return of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, and for the peace and stability of the country.

The Imam admonished those in position of authority to lead by example, fear Allah, and be just and fair to all.

He said this would engender patriotism, unity and development of the country.