Ortom calls for end of strike in tertiary institutions

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has assured academic and non-academic workers of tertiary institutions that the government will address their demands as soon as the state’s finances improve.

He urged them to call off their strike, to save the future of students.

The governor, who spoke when he met officials of unions in tertiary institutions, said the government was worried about the non-payment of allowances, attributing it to unavailability of funds.

He assured the striking workers that his administration will pay their allowances once the economy of the state improves.

Ortom enjoined them to end the strike in the interest of the state, saying the country’s poor economic made it difficult for the state to pay the allowances.

The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Tertiary Institutions, Comrade Torseer Haa Orpin, hailed the decision of Governor Ortom to meet the unions, saying the step would lead to amicable resolution of the matter.

Others who spoke included the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Tertiary Institutions, Comrade Ijime Akuhwa and his Non-Academic Staff Union counterpart, Comrade Teryima Kaaie.

The governor has set up a technical committee to look into the strike.

Among the demands the unions presented during the meeting was the payment of 10 per cent medical allowances owed them in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

They are also asking for increase in the retirement age of members, hazard allowances, among others.