Sokoto State Police Command on Thursday foiled a rally planned by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto chapter.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the command stopped the rally via a letter signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of administration, Mr. Douglas Agbonleni.
The letter, dated October 30, read, “Due to the current situation in the country, your request is not approved.
“You are therefore advised not to carry out the rally to avoid any break down of law and order.”
Reacting, ASUU, in a statement by the Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Frank Tambuwal, condemned the action of the police.
“This is a clear violation of our constitutional rights to educate the Nigerian public on why we are on strike.
“It should be noted that no amount of intimidation, suppression or harassment will deter us from fighting for our deprived rights, ‘’ the statement said.
NAN observed that riot policemen and others in plain clothes were deployed in the two campuses of the university.
Also, ASUU on Monday dissociated itself from the planned resumption of academic studies at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
The union said the alleged announcement by ESUT management that students should return for academic activities on Monday, November 18 was not practicable.
It stated this in a statement by the Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, Prof. Gab Agu, and others.
The union said, “The academic staff of ESUT dissociates itself from the above announcement.
“While ASUU-ESUT mourns Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former President of ASUU, it awaits the direction of the NEC on the ongoing strike.”
