The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed all its members to join the nationwide industrial action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The strike, which is scheduled to begin today, November 14, 2023, is in protest of the recent assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, who was allegedly assaulted by police officers in Imo State. The unions have accused the Imo State government of being complicit in the attack.

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke made the announcement in a statement.

Osodeke said that the strike is necessary to “protect the interests of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union.”

“Zonal Coordinators and Branch Chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action,” Osodeke added.

In a related development, the federal government has condemned the two labour unions’ planned nationwide strike, calling it an “unwarranted attempt to blackmail the government.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, expressed the government’s disappointment with the unions’ decision to punish the entire country of over 200 million people over a matter involving the NLC president.

FG also noted that the national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interests of any labour leader, adding that the strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible.