As protests continue to trail the said reappointment of Issa Aremu as the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), in the state, has waded into the crises, calling for ceasefire among the factions.

While labour unions in the institute have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the reappointment for what they described as poor management and unhealthy working environment, only a few workers tagged as “traitors” are aligning with the helmsman.

A statement by CDHR signed by its chairman and secretary, Afolabi Lukman and Diya Akintunde, respectively, copied our reporter, said the ongoing impasse in the institute was caused and fueled by misinformation.

“While CDHR acknowledges and upholds the right of workers to peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic principle, we wish to emphasise that the power to appoint or re-appoint a Director General rests with the appropriate authorities—not with the staff or unions,” it said.

It, however, said it is disheartening that the situation escalates with formal complaints reaching the CDHR about alleged violations of workers’ rights, including harassment, intimidation, and cyberbullying among colleagues.

“CDHR has received these reports and, in the interest of peace, advised affected staff to refrain from legal action at this time to allow space for genuine reconciliation.

“We, in collaboration with other concerned labour stakeholders, have offered to mediate in the current impasse, guided by the shared interest in institutional harmony and the welfare of all MINILS staff.

“We hereby appeal to the entire MINILS workforce to give peace a chance by engaging in constructive dialogue and reconciliation.

“Specifically, we urge the leadership of the three trade unions at the Institute—Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association (SSA), and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes (ASURI)—to return to the negotiation table with the re-appointed DG, Comrade Issa Aremu, and resolve their differences through peaceful engagement.

“CDHR also calls on all staff, regardless of previous positions or affiliations, to set aside hostilities and work toward rebuilding a united, respectful, and productive work environment. Disagreement rooted in a desire for institutional progress is valid; however, it must never give rise to division or hostility.

“We encourage all MINILS staff to recommit to a spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared purpose. The strength of any institution lies in the unity and cooperation of its people. Together, we can achieve the industrial peace and excellence that MINILS stands for,” it urged.