N138m Dues Scandal: Crisis Rocks ASUU Unical Chapter, Lands in Court

A fresh crisis has hit the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar (Unical) chapter, following allegations of non-remittance of check-off dues amounting to ?138.7 million.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the controversy dates back to 2019 during the tenure of the immediate past chairman, John Edor, and has already led to the suspension of the chapter by ASUU’s national leadership.

The matter is now before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, with some concerned lecturers, including John Inaku and nine others, filing a suit against ASUU (national), the Unical chapter, and Edor.

What the Claimants Seek
The lecturers are asking the court for 15 reliefs, including:

• A declaration that they cannot be compelled to repay dues already deducted from their salaries.
• An order directing ASUU national to lift the suspension of the Unical chapter and restore members’ rights and privileges.
• A directive compelling Edor to give a full account of dues collected during his tenure.
• A refund of ?138,782,840.97 allegedly unremitted, or any sum found due after proper auditing.
• Disciplinary action against Edor in line with ASUU’s constitution and the Trade Unions Act.
• An injunction restraining ASUU from taking punitive measures against them over the case.
• Payment of ?150 million as general damages.

Edor Reacts
When contacted, Edor confirmed awareness of the case but downplayed the controversy.
“There are mechanisms of settling such issues,” he said. “I advise whoever is aggrieved to follow the process.”

Background
Check-off dues are statutory deductions from members’ salaries meant for union activities. The alleged failure to remit such funds to the national body has not only led to internal strife but also threatens the credibility of the Unical chapter within ASUU.

The industrial court is expected to determine the fate of the suspended chapter, as well as accountability for the missing funds.