Court of Appeal in Abuja has asked the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to explore options for resolving the ongoing strike through an out-of-court settlement.
ASUU went on strike in February demanding, among other things, increased funding for the university and a review of lecturers’ pay. The judge also ordered the union members to resume work pending a hearing and decision on the merits of the case.
ASUU then appealed the judgment on 14 grounds through its legal team led by Senior Defense Counsel of Nigeria, Femi Falana. The union is seeking leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal under Article 243 of the Constitution, which provides for judicial leave to appeal against a judgment or decision of the National Industrial Court (NIC).
ASUU is also seeking a stay of execution of the court order pending a hearing and decision on the appeal. The Justice of Appeal, George Will Abraham, advised the parties to talk within 24 hours and come up with a solution that would satisfy Nigerians.
“There is a time for everything; there is a time for war and there is a time for peace,” the judge told FG lawyer James Igwe and ASUU lawyer Femi Falana.
“As Ministers in the Hall of Justice, we hope that you will both become senior advisers to promote and explore an amicable resolution of this dispute,” he added. “In fact, we hope to come back to this court on Thursday with the good news that the dispute has been resolved and that all the credit of Nigerians will be on you.
” So for the sake of our children, talk to your clients and keep the national interest in mind. “You get out of here, sit down and have a good talk and decide the issue.”
Igwe and Falana responded positively and agreed to talk. Falana, however, pointed out that in order to resolve the issue amicably, both sides need to reach a compromise.