CDWR CONDEMNS ARREST AND DETENTION OF ASUU-IMSU LEADERS!

Imo State Government must desist from the use of force, instead attend to demands of the striking lecturers

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) received with deep concern and outrage the news of the arrest and detention of Comrade Chinedu Egbuchu and Comrade Nnamdi Chubo, the Vice Chairman and Investment Secretary of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University branch, by officers of the Nigeria Police in Owerri on Tuesday, 12th August 2026.  We are aware that the arrest and detention of these two union leaders is in connection with the ongoing strike embarked upon by lecturers of IMSU.

The CDWR condemns in totality the arrest and detention of these union leaders for carrying out their legitimate duties. It is a direct assault on democracy, academic freedom, and the fundamental right of workers to organize and to embark on strike and protest in defence their rights and interest. A strike is a constitutionally guaranteed and inalienable right, not a crime. To respond to the demands of lecturers with police brutality is to show contempt for education, for dialogue, and for the future of public universities in Imo State.

This is a dangerous step for the future of our country given the fact that no society can develop when it treats its teachers and intellectuals as enemies of the state. The lecturers at IMSU are on strike because of the unresolved issues that border on the welfare of staff, the funding of public education, and the overall survival of the university system. These are issues that affect not only lecturers but also students, parents, and every citizen who believes in quality public education. Instead of addressing these demands, the state has chosen the path of intimidation.

We commend, the prompt and timely intervention of the National, Zonal and branch leadership of ASUU for their immediate release at the same time call on the Nigeria Police to stop forthwith the harassment of ASUU members. More importantly, we call on Mr Hope Uzodimma-led Imo State Government to demonstrate a serious and sincere commitment by urgently engaging ASUU-IMSU with a view to meeting their demands and improving the standard of education at all levels.

The CDWR stands in full solidarity with ASUU-IMSU and all workers fighting for better working conditions, justice and dignity. We urge students, parents, civil society organizations, labour unions, and all Nigerians of good conscience in Imo State and across Nigeria to support the demands of striking IMSU Lecturers and prevail on the Imo State Government to accede to their demands.

Rufus Olusesan

National Chairperson

Chinedu Bosah

National Publicity Secretary

E-mail: [email protected]