By Waziri Isa Adam who was in Bida
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Bida Polytechnic Branch, Comrade Kolo Joshua, and all members of his executive council have been re-elected for the second and final term of two years.
Comrade Kolo and his team were re-elected recently in a keenly contested race, which took place outside the premises of the institution, following the illegal ban on the activities of the union by the institution’s Governing Council.
While Comrade Engr Dr Ahmed Ahmed was re-elected as Vice-chairman of the union, Comrade Mohammed Awal Idris-Evuti was re-elected as Secretary General.
Others who were re-elected were Comrade Engr Abdullahi D. Abubakar as Assistant Secretary-General, Comrade Yanda Alfa Mohammed as Financial Secretary, Comrade Dr Chika Emelda Odo as Treasurer, Comrade Tafa Yusuf Ndagi Akanbi as Publicity Secretary, Comrade Engr Fauziyah Adenike Sulayman as Internal Auditor and Comrade Yahaya Usman Zaidu as Welfare Secretary .
Presenting a report of his first two years’ stewardship, earlier, Comrade Kolo lamented that among the major challenges faced by the Executive Council under his leadership include anti-union posture of management, noting that the CEC has resisted intimidation, queries, and disregard for correspondence from the current management, remaining steadfast in its defense of the union.
He also outlined unresolved arrears, arbitrary administrative practices and reluctance to engage in good-faith dialogue, and the underpayment of DCE Resource persons.
“The unjustified pay has left members discouraged from participating in the (DCE) programme. A committee constituted by the CEC has reviewed a proposal by the DCE on the resource persons’ honorarium,” Kolo said.
Stating his vision for the future, Comrade Kolo identified sustaining vigilance and unity until all members’ entitlements are cleared; continued advocating for timely promotion exercises, transparent staffing policies, and prioritization of welfare; and deepening union-driven academic, welfare, and social programmes to consolidate ASUP-BD as a model chapter as priority.