A crisis of non-remittance of N138 million check-off dues is brewing in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The alleged fraud dates back to 2019 under the leadership of the immediate past executive of the chapter, led by John Edor.
The non-remittance of the said dues to the national secretariat of the union led to the suspension of the chapter by the national leadership of ASUU.
The fraud has been formally lodged with the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for determination under suit no. NICN/CA/44/2025.
The judicial action was initiated by some concerned lecturers from the university, with John Inaku and nine others as complainants, while ASUU (national) and two others are the defendants.
The claimants are seeking 15 reliefs from the National Industrial Court, including a declaration that they cannot repay or remit their check-off dues already deducted from their salaries.
They are also seeking an order directing the first defendant to forthwith lift the suspension of the second defendant and restore all rights, privileges, and benefits due to the claims as members of ASUU.
In addition, they want the court to direct the third defendant (Mr Edor) to render a true and proper account of all dues collected during his tenure.
Furthermore, they want the court to compel the third defendant to refund N138,782,840.97 not remitted to the first defendant by him, or such sum as may be found due upon the rendition of accounts for the remittance of the same to the first defendant.
They also sought a court order directing the first defendant to take disciplinary action against the third defendant in line with the ASUU constitution and Trade Unions Act.
They sought an order restraining the defendants from taking any punitive measures or action whatsoever against the claimants on account of the suit or any matter related thereto.
In addition, the claimants also want the court to order the first defendant to pay the claimants N150,000,000.00, being general damages.
They also sought an order mandating the third defendant to pay the claimants N50,000,000.00, being general damages.
They also demanded an order of 21 per cent interest per annum on the judgment sum until it is liquidated by the defendants and special damages of N5 million.
When contacted, Mr Edor said he was aware of the matter and noted that there were mechanisms for settling such issues.
“I am aware of the allegations, but there are internal mechanisms and processes for settling or addressing such issues in the union. So, I advise whoever is aggrieved to follow the process,” he said.
(NAN)