Gov. Otti Apologises to ASUU-ABSU, Warns Officials Over Delay in Implementing Directives

“Heads Will Roll” — Governor Says Strike Was Avoidable, Govt Invested Nearly N100bn In ABSU, ABSUTH

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti has apologised to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University Chapter (ASUU-ABSU), over the recent industrial action at the institution, admitting that the strike was avoidable.

The Governor issued the apology on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, during his speech at the Abia@35 anniversary celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Addressing the strike, Governor Otti said he had approved the union’s demands since April 2026, but expressed regret that implementation was delayed.

“It is a failure on the part of government, and that is why under this administration, such won’t be allowed again,” the Governor said.

“Any official who delays my further directive won’t be spared. Heads will roll.”

He questioned why an implementation committee was constituted after his approval had already captured the cost implications, stressing that officials must take responsibility for executing government decisions promptly.

“If my government can invest close to a hundred billion naira in the renovation and construction of infrastructures across ABSU and the Abia State Teaching Hospital, then the welfare of the lecturers ought not to be a problem,” Otti stated.

He assured the ASUU community at ABSU, Uturu, that his administration would take steps to ensure a recurrence does not happen.

The Governor’s remarks followed the indefinite strike declared by ASUU-ABSU on August 11, 2026, over alleged failure to implement agreements and resolve outstanding welfare and salary issues.

The union listed seven major demands including:

– Implementation of the 2025 salary structure

– Payment of earned academic allowances

– Implementation of promotions

– Payment of omitted salaries

– Remittance of check-off dues and other outstanding entitlements

ASUU-ABSU said it had exhausted all avenues of dialogue before withdrawing services indefinitely, warning that academic activities would remain disrupted until issues were resolved.

Governor Otti reiterated that his administration would not tolerate bureaucratic bottlenecks that frustrate approved government policies.

“Officials must ensure that directives are implemented within the appropriate timeframe,” he warned.

The Governor’s intervention is expected to pave the way for renewed efforts to resolve the dispute and restore normal academic activities at the university.