ASUP Urges Gov. Kefas To Implement Salary Increase, Rules Out Strike In Taraba Poly

The Taraba State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has appealed to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to implement the 25/35% salary increase for staff of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.

The newly elected chairman of ASUP, Dr. Bala Sule, speaking to journalists at the polytechnic campus during the oath-taking ceremony in Jalingo, revealed that the government is owing staff of the polytechnic outstanding salary arrears.

"As ASUP Chairman, I will do my best to get the attention of Governor Kefas and appeal to him to implement our 25/35% salary increase. Even our outstanding salary arrears will be tabled before him. We will let him know that putting staff in financial distress is not healthy for members," he said.

He stressed that under his leadership the institution would not witness any industrial strike action, even if the government fails to address their demands.

"Under my watch, there will be no strike action of any form. Even if the government fails to address our demands, we will pursue them with diplomacy to ensure the government attends to us," he added.

Dr. Sule noted that the new leadership of ASUP in the institution would prioritize the welfare of all staff. He further stated that in the near future, he would engage the National and Zonal bodies of ASUP to visit Taraba State and meet with the governor to press for the implementation of the salary increase.

Meanwhile, nine members were inaugurated, including the Chairman, Comrade Bala Albert Sule; Vice Chairman, Sampati Umaru Tanimu; Secretary-General, Alade Ngbede; and Financial Secretary, Veronica N. Zaku.

Other members are Ishaku Kure, Assistant Secretary; Patient Aji Francis, Welfare Officer; Shadrach David, Auditor; and Vincent O. Dibie.

At the ceremony, the Zonal Executive Council representative, Mohammed Umar Ali, congratulated the newly sworn-in executives. He reminded them that leadership is built on trust and urged them to demonstrate unwavering integrity in their duties.

In his speech, the newly sworn-in Chairman, Bala Albert Sule, appreciated members for entrusting him with the leadership of the union. He outlined his plans to lead peacefully, emphasizing dialogue over industrial action.

Comrade Sule also commended the smooth conduct of the elections by the Electoral Committee under the leadership of Chief Adams Babur.