By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has apologized for posting pictures of himself undergoing a course at Harvard University amid ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU).
Stonixnews.com recalled that the speaker had posted his pictures of undergoing a leadership course at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University on Tuesday on his Twitter account.
Finding it morally repulsive and insensitive to the sensibility of Nigerians especially students that have been home for five months, there was an outrage on social and mainstream media on his post.
Femi had, however, apologized for the action, saying that it was not his intention to be insensitive to the present feelings of the citizens who were affected by the strike.
ASUU strike, which started in February, has rolled on for over five months.
In the post, the speaker admitted to have mediated in the power of his legislature to prevent the ongoing strike as he had always been a champion of public education in Nigeria.
“Yesterday, I posted a picture of myself at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, undergoing a course.
“That post was not sensitive to the present feelings of fellow citizens, especially parents and students who are presently bearing the brunt of the ongoing closure of public universities owing to the unresolved issues between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“I apologize for the post at this time, and I hope you will understand that it was not my intention to cause disaffection.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I have made multiple interventions within the powers of the legislature to avert the ongoing strike.
“I had direct engagements with the leadership of ASUU and relevant government agencies.
“The House of Representatives is still keenly involved in seeking a resolution to the issues so our students can return to school.
“We all await the outcome of the 2-week ultimatum given for the conclusion of negotiations with ASUU
“I have long been a champion of public education in Nigeria, and I have consistently advocated programs, policies and investments to improve the quality of public education in the country,” he said.
