Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, has stated that the federal government does not have the legal backing to proscribe the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its continued strike.
Falana said this in reaction to speculations that the federal government is planning to proscribe ASUU for failing to call off the strike.
The strike, which began on February 16, is a result of the government’s inability to fully address the union’s demands.
The industrial action has lasted more than six months.
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There have been rumors that the government wants to outlaw the union, although no official announcement has been made to that effect.
The human rights attorney claimed in a statement on Saturday that Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act) and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution both safeguard ASUU’s right.
Falana also highlighted Convention No. 87 of the International Labor Organization, which prohibits the federal government from outlawing or suspending trade unions and protects the right to organize.
