THISDAYonline

The National Assembly has been criticized for its failure to confirm the re-appointment of the former Minister of Education, Professor Babalola Borishade after several interview appointment with the Senate.

In an open letter to Senate President Adolphus Wabara, the group known as the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria in a letter titled "Borsihade and ASUU Face-off," expressed concern on the perceived injustice meted out to Borishade during the recent screening exercise by the Senate.

The letter endorsed by its National President, Dare Adamolekun, the group said "while we uphold the right and duties of the Senate as constitutionally provided for, we wish to request the Senate do not avail itself to vengeance, punishment, witch hunting and backbiting,"

The group explained that it "is an open secret that certain aggrieved members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are behind the petitions stalling the approval of Borishade as submitted by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

"It is also known that these individuals are hoping to prey upon the sympathy of Nigerians to camouflage their pound of flesh intrigues under the perceived reactions of the public to the just suspended ASUU strike," Adamolekun stressed.

It further explained that some of the issues raised by ASUU were better addressed through the courts than via strikes , which some members of the union found distasteful, hence many universities withdrew from the strike.

It also expressed concern that the Senate at previous presentation of Borishade did not find him contravening any law of the federation in the discharge of his duties. The group therefore hinged the accusations on the former minister on the insensitivity of ASUU demands.

As the minister of education, the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria said Borishade initiated and promoted the improved emoluments for tertiary institutions lecturers and staff, advocated the improved funding for universities as well as autonomy for universities.

Other achievements of the Borishade while in office, the group stressed include the initiation of the education analysis for improved data availability for planning purposes as well as the introduction of the National Open University Programme. He also ensured Nigeria's participation in UNESCO Associate Expert Scheme and scholarship awards for university students from 200 level as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Virtual Library project.

"Within the limit of his powers and resources while in office as the minister, he performed his duties loyally and satisfied those best suitable to mark his papers. Giving undue leverage to ASUU in the confirmation of Borishade's nomination this second time will imply a tutelage that will spell doom in the long run for our democracy if not curtailed," the group warned.

It stressed that the country need Nigerians that can stand tall in their professions and say no to illicit influence, undue demand for advantages, unreasonable arm-twisting, hijacking state or national economy and malicious programmes.

The group therefore called on the Senate members to let posterity adjudicate Borishade's purported stance with ASUU. While it supported accountability and probity in both private and public life, the group said many Nigerians have watched with growing concern the protracted proceedings in the senate surrounding the screening of the former minister