The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has decided not to speak on the stand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against his professorship.
Recall that Pantami alongside seven academics in September 2021 was promoted by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) to the position of a professorship at the council’s 186th meeting.
On Monday, ASUU described the minister’s promotion as a professor of Cybersecurity by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri as illegal.
According to ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union took the decision at a meeting held on Sunday night.
But FUTO Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti has revealed that the institution has taken the matter to court, adding that ASUU does not have to right to question the institution.
But speaking with State House correspondents, Pantami stated that he will not comment on the issue, stating that the university had sued the union over the matter.
He said: “No comment on the matter. On your second question, no comment. No comment, and no comment.
That’s my position. I’m here for an official assignment, asks me about that responsibility. So, anything to deal with my ministry of communications and digital economy, I can be subjected to you and that’s why I come here. I couldn’t go anywhere.
The institution you have quoted mentioned they are in court. As a government official, do you know what contempt of court is? You need to know. Because of this, I’m a law-abiding citizen. No comment, I hope you get it. There’s no comment.”
