NUT/HQS/E.I./34/01/900                                                                      28 – 06 – 07


Gemoraw Kassa,
General Secretary,
Ethiopian Teachers’ Association,
P.O. Box 1639,
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.

Dear Colleague,

MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY.

The attention of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has been drawn to the numerous acts of intimidation, harassment and torture continuously meted out to trade union leaders, particularly members of your organization, the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association.

These horrendous acts perpetrated by agencies of the government of your country have been brought to the fore and public purview by the Education International (E.I.) which has continued to champion your cause at all international fora, including the meetings of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

We of the NUT are worried and concerned about the frequency of the occurrence, particularly, against the backdrop of the fact that the same officers of your organization have constantly remained the targets.

The over 500,000 strong members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) join the Education International and teachers and education workers all over the world to solidarise with you and extend to you our full support and succour, as you go through this harsh path of repression and rigour, an experience that is antithetical to good governance and freedom.

We condemn in no uncertain terms, the posture of your government in embarking on these inhuman acts and call on all lovers of peace and all who believe in the freedom of association and democratic principles of trade unionism all over the world to join hands to roundly condemn this high-handedness of the Ethiopian government.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as you go through the task of overcoming these acts of repression. We urge you not to relent, but to remain strong, committed and ever determined to surmount and remain victorious.

Kindly send our warm regards and message of solidarity to all your members and particularly, the leaders of your organization. We remain convinced that the voice of reason will eventually prevail and freedom will come your way soon in Ethiopia.

Remain strong in the struggle.

Yours in the service,


OBONG I. J. OBONG,
Secretary-General.