Staff of the National Biotechnology Development Agency have staged a peaceful protest to demand the recognition of their union by the management of the Institution.
The peaceful protest was brought to an abrupt end by suspected hoodlums while the agency says it is probing the incident.
In the last two years, there has been no love lost between workers and the leadership of the National Biotechnology DevelopmentAgency, NABDA.
A two-week ultimatum has now expired and the workers say it is time for them to drive home their demand for recognition as a union.
Placards bearing their grievances are displayed as they match to the complex housing the Director General’s office.
They are demanding payment of hazard allowances, capacity building and promotion to deserving staff.
The workers accuse the Director General of withholding their check off dues in the last 2 years and discrediting their union.
Above all, they insist the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRAI, is open to administrative and scientific research officers from Grade Level 07.
The protest came to a hurried halt after a group of suspected miscreants, infiltrated the workers and began singing a different tune
Security officials had a difficult time containing the group of young men whom the workers accused of being sponsored by the DG.
TVC News made attempts to get the management’s side of the story.
The Director General, described all allegations against him as unfounded.
Abdullahi Mustapha described the protesting workers as lacking the moral standard to challenge his authority.
He said training and retraining are being carried out every year to better equip the staff.
While he denies sending any group of miscreants, the DG says the agency is probing the incident and will take appropriate steps to forestall a recurrence.
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