Osinbajo Not Heading FG/ASUU Negotiating Team – Presidency

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has assured that the Federal Government remains committed and would continue to diligently pursue a prompt resolution of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Osinbajo, who stated this while clarifying speculations that he has not taken over negotiations on the on-going ASUU strike, however expressed confidence that the matter would soon be resolved.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on media, Laolu Akande explained that Prof Osinbajo had a discussion after Wednesday’s FEC with both Ministers of Labour and Education, Dr Chris Ngige and Malam Adamu Adamu, respectively around the issues, but has not taken over the negotiations as widely reported.

Osinbajo specifically said that the two Ministers will continue to lead the Federal Government – ASUU talks.

Akande further said; “News reports that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is now leading the Federal Government negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), is inaccurate.

“Media reports seemed to have misrepresented what the Labour & Employment Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige meant when he spoke with reporters about the negotiations after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

While briefing State House Correspondents on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting on ASUU strike, Ngige had said: “At Council today, the Vice President has taken over some aspects of the negotiations and discussions. So, we are continuing the meeting in his office.”