By Bello Hamza, Abuja
The College of Education Billiri in Gombe state has embarked on industrial action in compliance with the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC). Which was contained in a communique signed by the President of the Union Dr. Smart Olugbeko and the secretary Dr. Ahmed Lawan Bazza respectively, dated Friday June 10, 2022 directing their members to go on four weeks strike to press home their demands.
This was contained in circular signs and issued to reporters in Gombe by the chapters COEASU Chairman of the College, Comrade Maikudi Gerson Molta on Tuesday June 14, 2022.
The circular, which was copied to the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Higher Education Gombe state, said the strike commences immediately today as directed by the national body of the union.
The union said the decision to embark on the strike followed the expiration of the Twenty-one Day ultimatum that was issued to the Federal government by the union to resolve the problems or face industrial action from 9th May, 2022 – 6th June, 2022.
Comrade Maikudi Gerson Molta noted that at the end of the ultimatum, it was unanimously concluded that the government is insensitive to the plight of the Union, hence the need for members of the union to call for the strike action.
He said, as a chapter of the union and member of the NEC, the chapter is obligated to comply with all resolutions by the NEC.
Beside its national demands, the Billiri chapter has been bedeviled by Partial implementation of the college-approved budget, which brought about absence of capital projects, annual salary increment, Transport allowances and promotion implementation. There has equally been a security threat due to lack of perimeter fencing of the college and the devastating effects of gully erosion in the college.