Imo State branch of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, has vowed to resist the current plan by the state government to relocate the library to Area N, New Owerri.
The State Chairman of NASU, Nze Obinna Okafor, made the stand of the union known while reacting to the relocation threat issued by Governor Rochas Okorocha a few days’ ago.
He said: “We agree that the state Library is a government establishment but we are vehemently opposed to the plan to move it to a very obscure area of Owerri municipality.
“The building where government is planning to move the library to is uncompleted. It has no chairs, tables, doors and windows. It is not conducive for reading.”
The Imo NASU boss, who doubles as the State Deputy Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, was particularly irked that the Governor appeared bent on relocating the library without due consultation, dialogue and compromise with the union.
“Sincerely speaking, we are embarrassed that government wants to move the establishment to an obscure area that is far worse than it’s present location. Security of life and property cannot be guaranteed in the new place”, Okafor said.
He warned that NASU has all it takes to tackle government frontally, including embarking on industrial action, adding that the union for now, is open for dialogue.
“We can frustrate government’s plan but labour is still open for dialogue with Governor Okorocha”, Nze Okafor said.
Continuing, the Imo NASU boss reminded government that if the library is moved out of its present location, the physically challenged would be the most hit.
“It is sad that when other states are building e-libraries, Imo State Government thinks it is better to destroy what it already has on ground, as well as frustrate those wishing to improve their intellectual endowments”, Okafor fumed.
