ASUU strike: NSCDC begins 7-day fasting, prayers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday began seven days fasting and prayer for an end to the lingering Academic Staff of Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) strike.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by
the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Mr Emmanuel
Okeh.
The statement said that Dr Ade Abolurin, the Commandant
General of the corps, directed the officers and personnel of the
corps nationwide, to embark on the exercise.
It said the corps embarked on the exercise to seek God's
intervention following the deadlock in the talks between the
Federal Government and the striking university teachers
aimed at resolving the issue.
"Worried by the ongoing strike embarked upon by the ASUU,
which has resulted in the shutdown of universities since July
this year, NSCDC Commandant General has organised a
special prayer for the nation.
" The CG has declared seven days fasting and prayers
nationwide to seek an ultimate solution to the problem,'' it
said.
The statement said the move was borne out of the desire by
Nigerians to see an end to the strike.
It quoted Abolurin, as noting that the inability of stakeholders
to come to an agreement in resolving the four months old
strike was an indication that divine intervention was the only
solution to the problem.
"While lauding the effort of the government and its
unwavering commitment to end the impasse, Abolurin said
the nation should not underestimate the power of prayers at
critical moments.
"We should not be ignorant of the devices of the devil whose
mission is to steal, kill and destroy; but through prayer and
fasting, the glory of this nation shall be sustained and the
much needed success achieved,'' the statement said.
It said that stakeholders, including parents, guardians,
government officials, the striking teachers, students, religious
leaders and opinion leaders should pray for an end to the
problem.
The statement said that the continuous stay of students at
home had made them vulnerable to negative vices which
"portend danger to the future leaders''.
It also appealed to the National Union of Teacher (NUT) to
rescind its decision to embark on a sympathy strike, saying
that this would further plunge the education sector into an
unnecessary and avoidable catastrophe.

Via: NAN