Oriire abduction: 'What kind of association is yours?' NUT slammed over suspension of strike

Oriire abduction: ‘What kind of association is yours?’ NUT slammed over suspension of strike

Khalid ABRAHAM

Nigerians have bashed the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for suspending their strike action begun after 46 teachers and students were abducted May 15 at Ahoro-Esinele/Yawota in Oriire local government area of Oyo state.

NUT embarked on the action tagged “withdrawal from classes” to pressurise government to expidite action on the safe return of the abductees and to put in place measures to secure schools

The suspension of the action announced today Wednesday by the union without those in captivity being released and no visible measures to secure schools put in place, has meanwhile ignited condemnations from some Nigerians.

An Ogbomoso lawyer, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, angrily asked ogbomosoinsightonline.com, what manner of association is the NUT? Wondering why the union would call off the strike without the matter of the abduction been resolved.

“Please, what have they achieved from the strike? Have those in captivity been rescued? I don’t understand please.”

He further queried, “Have they provided security in the schools? Honestly speaking, I am just wondering the type of association NUT is? What has changed please that warranted the suspension? Honestly speaking l am flabbergasted! Teni to de lodebani yen ooo.”

Another commentator, who simply identified himself as Mr. Gbadegesin said, “Hmmmn!!! Are we sure our children and townspeople are safe bayi? Will the Osiele kidnap not be another Chibok saga???”

Another agitated commentator, an Ibadan resident, who identified himself as Wasiu Adeogun remarked, “So, they are calling off the strike when their colleagues are still being held in such gory condition! Are they abandoning them? Has government told them no hope for the abducted teachers and the students? It is baffling.

“I don’t understand why NUT would take such infamous course. Your colleagues and your students are still being held, some were killed, you don’t know how many of them are still alive, government keeps on making promises without fulfilment and you are now saying you reached an agreement with the same government. It doesn’t add up.

“At least they should have waited to see how this would end. How many schools has the government put perimeter fence in since to ensure security of schools? Have we seen branded patrol vehicles for schools’ security? Is it not right to call NUT a sellout? It is unfortunate, if it is pressure brought on them or blackmail they should have had the gut to resist, why are they unionists? Why are they always standing with the government!

“Schools can’t be closed for ever, sure, but at least the end of this one should have been seen before such action as suspension of strike is taken. I just hope this action won’t encourage another round of kidnapping since the first one was not resolved? No one was brought to book when the first one was carried out. It is baffling, indeed.”