NASU Vows To Resist Imo Govt Over Planned Relocation Of Library

The Non-
Academic Staff
Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, Imo State branch,
has vowed to resist the current plan by the state government to relocate the
library to Area N, New Owerri.

Making the stand of the union known while reacting to the relocation
threat issued by Governor Rochas Okorocha a few days ago, State
Chairman of NASU, Nze Obinna Okafor, said: “We agree that the state
Library is a government establishment but we are vehemently opposed to
the plan to move it to a very obscure area of Owerri municipality.

“The building where government is planning to move the library to is
uncompleted. It has no chairs, tables, doors and windows. It is not
conducive for reading.”

Okafor, who is also the State Deputy Chairman of Nigerian Labour
Congress, NLC, was particularly irked that the Governor appeared bent on
relocating the library without due consultation, dialogue and compromise
with the union.

“Sincerely speaking, we are embarrassed that government wants to move
the establishment to an obscure area that is far worse than it’s present
location. Security of life and property cannot be guaranteed in the new
place,” Okafor said.

He therefore warned that NASU has all it takes to tackle government
frontally, including embarking on industrial action, adding that the union
for now, is open for dialogue.

“We can frustrate government’s plan but labour is still open for dialogue
with Governor Okorocha,” Okafor said.

He also reminded government that if the library is moved out of its present
location, the physically challenged would be the most hit.
“It is sad that when other states are building e-libraries, Imo State
Government thinks it is better to destroy what it already has on ground, as
well as frustrate those wishing to improve their intellectual endowments”.