Skip to main content

How University Lecturers, ASUU’s Strike Could Disenfranchise Students In 2023 Elections – Nigerian Civil Societies ‘Situation Room’

ASUU
October 1, 2022

The Situation Room noted that it was worrisome that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was still on strike, while expressing concerns over the implication of the strike action such as disenfranchisement of many students.
 

 

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday urged all political parties and candidates, to respect and uphold the provisions of Section 92 (1-6) and Section 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The Situation Room noted that it was worrisome that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was still on strike, while expressing concerns over the implication of the strike action such as disenfranchisement of many students.
The civic groups numbering more than 70 said it was necessary to resolve the ASUU’s strike, bearing in mind the need for peaceful and inclusive elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed September 28 for the formal commencement of the presidential campaigns.
The groups in a statement jointly signed by the Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Asma’u Joda and Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, James Ugochukwu and issued on Friday in Abuja, asserted that the police as the lead security agency in Nigeria’s electoral system need to remain neutral in their provision of security during the election campaign period is of utmost importance.
The statement reads in part; "The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has observed with keen interest, all the activities leading up to the 2023 General Election and commends all election stakeholders, citizens, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political parties for the preparations made so far towards the Elections.
"The Electoral Act 2022 has justly provided a legal framework and model to which electoral activities should be conducted. In line with the provisions of Section 94 (1) of the Act, political party campaigns have officially begun with the commencement of some party activities on Wednesday, 28th September 2022.
"Situation Room calls on all political parties and candidates to respect and uphold the provisions of Section 92 (1-6) and Section 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 bearing in mind the need for peaceful elections even as the contest for elective positions becomes more pronounced with the kickoff of these campaigns.
"Political parties must refrain from equipping and employing persons to ferment violence with the intent to discredit another candidate or Party. The use of abusive language or campaign materials that could cause religious or ethnic unrest must be avoided.
"Security agencies like the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have an active role to play in political party campaigns. It is the duty of these agencies to provide adequate security for proper and peaceful conduct of rallies.
"With the Police as the lead security agency in Nigeria’s electoral system, the need for the Nigeria Police to remain neutral in their provision of security during the election campaign period is of utmost importance. Equal service should be provided to all political actors irrespective of the size of their political parties.
"As we move towards the 2023 General Election, it is worrisome that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is still on strike. Situation Room expresses concern over the implication of the strike action on the elections like disenfranchisement. It is important for a decision to be taken soon to enable students decide on time if they may require transfer of PVC to a location close to school.
"We therefore once again call on the Federal Government to reach an agreement to call off the strike.”