Date: 2004-06-22

Kwara State Government and embattled Chairman of the academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comrade Olaitan Adefila, weekend traded accusations and counter-accusations on the suspension of the ASUP leader from the polytechnic.

Registrar of the polytechnic, Mrs. Victoria Ogundahunsi, had last week announced the suspension of Adefila, saying "until the letter of your employment history has been satisfactorily disposed of."

Special Assistant to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Bolaji Abdullahi weekend shed more light on the controversial case of employment history as he alleged that the ASUP chairman was sanctioned for financial impropriety.

Abdullahi who spoke with correspondents denied claims that Adefila was being persecuted for his unionism posture.

"I must be frank with you guys. The ASUP man is guilty of financial malpractices which led to his suspension and not because he is an active unionist."

He revealed that Deputy Governor Joel Ogundeji would be leading a high powered government team to a meeting with ASUP representatives to douse the negative effect of the suspension of ASUP leader on academic activities in the institution.

Adefila, in reaction to the government position, maintained that he was being victimised for leading an opposition against the chairman of the governing council of the institution, Prof. Shuaib Oba AbdulRaheem.

Brandishing documents to fault Abdullahi's claims, Adefila said "government's action is the greatest manifestation of nervousness."

"In the past few days, the permanent secretary and the Special Assistant, have been talking when they are neither staff of the poilytechnic nor members of the governing council."

Adefila said when he had his appointment terminated at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he pursued the case legally which was judged in his favour.

"I was employed by the Kwara State Polytechnic from the unemployment market and not on a transfer of service. The court ruled that all my entitlements be paid. I did not collect any double salary, he clarified.