By Nsan Neji
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Concerned Members of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have raised the alarm over N138 million alleged fraud that has rocked the branch.
The alleged fraud, which dates back to 2019, follows the non-remittance of check-off dues amounting to one hundred and thirty-eight million naira (N138 million) by the immediate past executive of the UNICAL ASUU, headed by Dr John Edor.
The non-remittance of the dues, largely during the tenure of John Edor’s leadership, led to the suspension of the UNICAL branch of ASUU by the union’s national leadership.
The alleged fraud has been formally lodged with the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for determination and is marked Suit No. NICN/CA/44/2025.
The formal complaint, which was launched by some concerned lecturers from the University, has Dr John Inaku and 9 others as complainants with ASUU (National) and two others as defendants.
The claimants are seeking 15 reliefs from the National Industrial Court, which includes a declaration that they cannot be repaid or remitted against their check-off dues already deducted from their salaries.
The claimants are also seeking an order directing the 1st Defendant to forthwith lift the suspension of the 2nd Defendant and restore all rights, privileges, and benefits due to the claimants as members of ASUU.
In addition, they want the court to “direct the 3rd Defendant (Dr John Edor) to render a true and proper account of all dues collected during his tenure.
“Order compelling the 3rd Defendant to refund the sum of N138,782,840.97 not remitted to the 1st Defendant by him or such sum as may be found due upon rendition of accounts for remittance of same to the 1st Defendant.
“An Order directing the 1st Defendant to take disciplinary action against the 3rd Defendant in line with the ASUU Constitution and Trade Unions Act.
“An Order restraining the Defendants from taking any punitive measures or action whatsoever against the Claimants on account of this suit or any matter related thereto.”
In addition, the claimants also want the court to order the first defendant to pay the claimants the sum of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only) only being GENERAL DAMAGES.
They are also seeking an order mandating the 3rd defendant (Dr John Edor) to pay the claimants the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira Only), being GENERAL DAMAGES.
They also demand an order of 21% interest per annum on the judgment sum until the same is liquidated by the Defendants and special damages of N5,000,000.00.
Addressing journalists on the N138m check-off dues indebtedness to ASUU National, the Concerned Members of University of Calabar (UNICAL) branch of ASUU, wondered why the national secretary chose to suspend the entire UNICAL branch which has religiously paid their dues, continued to pay their dues within the almost two years of the suspension.
The group led by Dr John Inaku, condemned in totality the alleged financial mismanagement by the immediate past Exco and Chairman, insisting that they must be held accountable.
They accused the National Secretariat of “complicity and silence”, wondering why it waited for the new Exco to come in before suspending the branch.
“We, the lecturers of UNICAL have been committed soldiers in the ASUU struggle. We have borne the pains of unpaid salaries, strikes, threats and public misunderstanding all in the name of defending quality education and unhealthy autonomy.
“We do not deserve to be treated as collateral damage in a mess we did not create. We will fight for the soul of our union, for the truth and for justice,” they stated.
Reacting, the former chairman of UNICAL ASUU, Dr John Edor, said: “I am aware of the allegations. But they are internal mechanisms and processes of settling or addressing such issues in the union. So, I would advise whoever is aggrieved to follow the process.”
