ASUU Strike In Abia Varsity Exposes Govt Lie That ‘Everything Is Fine’ — AAC Governorship Candidate, Doris Ogala | Sahara Reporters

She said the strike has exposed the gap between government publicity and the realities confronting workers and students in Abia.

The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has accused the Governor Alex Otti-led state government of presenting a misleading picture of development in the state while workers, lecturers and students continue to face unresolved challenges.

Ogala made the accusation while reacting to the indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University branch (ASUU-ABSU), saying the industrial action should prompt serious reflection among residents of the state.

She said the strike has exposed the gap between government publicity and the realities confronting workers and students in Abia.

“For too long, our people have been presented with a carefully packaged picture suggesting that everything is perfect in Abia State, that all is well, that every sector is working and that anyone who asks difficult questions must somehow be against progress,” Ogala said.

According to her, residents have the right to scrutinise government claims and assess them against the experiences of workers, students, traders, farmers, pensioners and families across the state.

ASUU-ABSU reportedly complained about the continued payment of lecturers under an outdated 2009 salary structure, while issues surrounding the 2025 salary arrangement and other welfare obligations remain unresolved.

The union also raised concerns over earned academic and professorial allowances, promotion-related salary adjustments, omitted salaries, deductions and remittances, grievances which have now culminated in the indefinite strike.

Ogala said the concerns could not be dismissed simply because they contradicted the government’s preferred political narrative.

“These are not issues that should simply be dismissed because they disturb a favourable political narrative,” she said.

“Workers matter. Lecturers matter. Students matter. Every Abian matters.”

The AAC candidate said the development also demonstrated the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system.

“This is precisely why a political party like the African Action Congress, AAC, is a blessing to our democracy,” Ogala said.

“We ask questions. We challenge government when necessary. We demand transparency. We refuse to accept propaganda as a substitute for performance.

“And we believe that no government, regardless of how much praise it receives, should be above accountability.”

Ogala urged residents of Abia to look beyond government publicity and pay closer attention to issues raised by opposition parties and citizens.

“I therefore urge Ndi Abia to open their eyes, listen carefully, and look beyond publicity. Listen more attentively to what the AAC has been saying,” she said.

“Opposition is not an enemy of development. A strong opposition protects democracy by asking the questions those in power may prefer not to answer.”

While acknowledging what she described as genuine improvements in the state, Ogala argued that development should not be measured solely through road projects and government photographs while workers remain dissatisfied and students bear the consequences of industrial disputes.

She called for what she described as a “revolutionary approach to governance” in Abia.

According to her, such a government must ensure that development extends beyond major cities and reaches rural communities.

“A government where every village feels the presence and impact of government,” she said. “A government where workers’ welfare is a priority, not an afterthought.

“A government where teachers, lecturers, healthcare workers, civil servants, pensioners, traders, artisans, farmers, young people and persons living in our rural communities all know that they matter.

“A government that honours agreements. A government that listens before problems become crises. A government that does not silence questions but welcomes accountability.”

Ogala urged the Abia State government to urgently engage ASUU-ABSU and resolve the issues raised by the union to enable students to return to uninterrupted academic activities.

She said the union’s outstanding demands reportedly include implementation of the 2025 CATA salary structure, earned academic and professorial allowances, promotion-related salary adjustments and other outstanding payments and remittances.

“Our children must not become casualties of disagreements that responsible leadership can resolve,” Ogala said.

The AAC candidate also urged residents to maintain their right to question those in authority.

“Do not surrender your right to question those who govern you,” she said. “When someone tells you everything is perfect, look again. When government makes a claim, ask for the evidence.

“When workers cry out, listen to them. When communities say they have been forgotten, visit them. Democracy is not praise-singing. Democracy is accountability.”

Ogala said the AAC would continue to demand accountability from the government, insisting that Abia deserved better governance.

“The AAC will continue to ask the difficult questions because Abia deserves more,” she said.

“We seek an Abia where everyone matters, every worker is respected, every community is remembered, and government works for the people, not for publicity.”