The Federal Government, yesterday, blamed some elements in ASUU, who it described as being heartless, for frustrating the efforts of the government to resolve the strike. The Federal Government also appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to rethink their approach towards the on-going strike and listen to the yearnings of well-meaning Nigerian in the interest of the nation.

In a statement, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, also condemned attacks on the person of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying the attacks have taken academic unionism to a new low by infusing it with unnecessary politics.

He said the Federal government has not adopted a take-it-or-leave-it approach in its negotiations with ASUU, stating rather, that the approach is focused on positive engagement and achieving sustainable solutions to the challenges facing higher education in the country.

He said, “ASUU elements who want the strike to continue should have a heart and rethink their current take-it-or-leave-it approach to negotiation. Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the university system. And it is even ready to do much more going forward. ASUU should listen to the voice of reason and the yearnings of Nigerians on this issue.”

Nwabuikwu exonerated the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from complicity in the ongoing strike, saying that she understands and sympathizes with the plight of both students and lecturers.

He said, “Some elements in ASUU have been distributing pamphlets and flyers with abusive and inflammatory messages against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in mosques and other places. This is taking academic unionism to a new low and infusing it with unnecessary politics. I am sure majority of ASUU members are not in support of this.”

“These messages are directed at using falsehood to demonize the Minister as callous and unsympathetic to the plight of students and parents. The major lie being peddled in the pamphlets and flyers is that Dr Okonjo-Iweala has insisted on a “take-it-or-leave-it approach” in the negotiations with ASUU. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/ASUU-takes-protest-streets/#sthash.7HO7qDbv.dpuf

this is injustice 4 student @ okonjo iweala

Daniluv2k4: this is injustice 4 student @ okonjo iweala

did u read d article @all

we should what we say before we blame others. please tell him to read the article very well, the minister is not to be blamed, instead she wants the best for u as Nigerian students please read well