BREAKING On ASUU: Government Withdraws Ultimatum, CBN Confirms N200b Account (UPDATED)

The Federal Government (FG) announced on Tuesday that it was withdrawing the ultimatum given to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) protesters resume or be sacked following appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and substantial compliance with the directive by some members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

It was claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had confirmed that a sum of two hundred billion Naira agreed with ASUU at a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on the 5th of November, 2013 has been fully paid into a Revitalization of Universities Infrastructure Account.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, speaking with journalists, demonstrated the CBN letter which was signed by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo and addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, which letter confirms that the said sum of money was the balance in the account as required.

Mr. Okupe pointed out that the FG was interested in resolving the lingering crisis in a peaceful manner for the overall interest of all concerned.

He added,

“Right now, the issue of ultimatum is not a matter for discussion anymore. There has been substantial compliance nationwide. If I say you must return to work on the 9th and 70% of the people that I am talking to have returned to work, that is substantial compliance.

“Government appreciates the fact that a number of universities have either resumed academic activities or announced resumption dates in line with the directives earlier issued by the Committee of Pro Chancellors. We appreciate the fact that many chapters of ASUU have resumed work and many more will follow suit shortly.”

He added that with the evidence of the availability of the N200m for immediate disbursement to the universities, it was expected that ASUU would call off the strike.