ASUU Poises For Fresh Showdown With FG Over N5 Billion Unremitted Union Funds

Tension is now mounting on University Campuses nationwide over Federal Government non-remittance of Union Check-Off Dues and Cooperative deductions totaling over N5billion.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities whose National Executive Council Meeting held last week in Abuja set up committee to advise it on the request by university administrators for Tax Identification Number (TIN) from Union branches and Non-remittance of check-off dues and cooperative deductions.

In an interview with newsmen in Ibadan, Chairman ASUU University of Ibadan, Dr Deji Omole said the action of the federal government was capable of causing threat to live, industrial harmony and peace by imposing multiple taxation on already taxed workers.

According to Omole, over N300million of Check-off dues and Cooperative monies of university of Ibadan academic staff are currently trapped making it difficult for those in need to access welfare support.

He said Unions cannot be asked to pay tax by Federal Inland Revenue Service as they are not registered as a business entity warning that the union may be poised for another showdown with the federal government if the issue is not attended to expeditiously.

Omole hinted that although the NEC of ASUU has resolved to write Ministers of Labour, Employment and Education to the effect that “the requirement of TIN for Union dues and deductions is an anti-labour policy which portends danger for industrial harmony”

Omole maintained that the NEC of the Union resolved that “The Union should re-invigorate its efforts in insisting that the peculiarities of Universities be incorporated into the new version of GIFMIS. Check off dues and Cooperative contributions are a product of already taxed incomes, hence there is no need whatsoever for TIN”

Omole who noted that President Muhhamadu Buhari led administration was insensitive to the yearnings of workers noted that the policy is capable of killing university workers faster than HIV/AIDS as people are already planning on how to use their savings during the festive season and for the payment of children tuition fees in the new year.

 “As unions we would not allow any government to kill us because of the lopsided policy they introduce every now and then. How will you deduct people’s monies and not remit it for their usage? This is anti-people and fraudulent. Unions are not business entities and th jue monies of members are already taxed and therefore cannot be subjected to multiple taxation”