ASUU drags Obaseki to court over Special Intervention Powers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma chapter, has dragged Governor Godwin Obaseki led Edo State Government to court over the Special Intervention Powers Provisions Law 2021 which conferred extra-ordinary powers on the governor in the direct management of the affairs of the institution.

The suit was filed before a State High Court sitting in Ekpoma.

In the suit, ASUU wants the court to determine the legality or otherwise of the amendment of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Laws–Special Intervention Powers Provisions Law 2021 and the deriving Special Intervention Team (SIT), set up to take full functions of the University’s Governing Council.

The Union contended in the suit that Law which confers on the State Governor extra-ordinary powers in the direct management of the affairs of the institution among other things was made in total disregard of its devastating consequences on university autonomy, long-tested traditions, ethos and organs of the institution.

Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele and Dr. William Odion, Chairman and Assistant Secretary of AAU Ekpoma ASSU respectively who signed the petition numbered HEK/MISC/9/2021, are also kicking against the manner in which the University Governing Council was dissolved.