The Students Union Government of Kogi State University and National Association of Nigerians Students, NANS, has blocked major roads in Lokoja metropolis, linking East from Enugu to the North via Abuja, Nassarawa etc, in protest of the 3 months old strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Kogi State Chapter.
As it stands, the Government and ASUU are not shifting grounds and the students who have been under their elephant and grass fight have taken to the streets to air their dissatisfaction with the industrial action.
Governor of the State- Yayaha Bello
ASUU Chairman, KSU Chapter- Dr. Aina
By Eyewitness - Promise
The Students are in mixed moods of jubilation and frustration as placards and other forms of protest images are swung left, right and about in the ongoing stydents protests at Kogi State capital, Lokoja. Many other students are joining up. Aluta songs are in flaring decibels.
Few minutes ago, The Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Usman. SSG to the Governor, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade and Commissioner for Education J.S Tolorunleke just left the scene of protests as students remained avid in their request of meeting only the state Governor, Yahaya Bello.
We also just got wind of ASUU' delegates being on their way to Lokoja. According to the Student Union Government President' Comrade Philip Omepa, the invitation was to show clearly that Students are not protesting against anybody or taking sides as what they want for both parties to return to negotiation table.
The Public Relations Officer of SUG, Comrade Cosmos Ogiri, lamented the missed signals the protest might be sending, he however assured all watchers that the SUG only wants the school to be settled for academic activities. He said "anybody that would think we haven't been patient for 3 good months doesn't have a conscience. What do we have to do? Just what?!", he lamented.
A student at the site of protest, Enema Ilemona also lent his opinion on the issue, he remarked "This is the first time in my life I think we have an SUG. The fact is that both Government and ASUU have their own facts and points, but what is our own point?", he said.
Another demonstrator said "It's high time Lecturers and Government realise that we are not immovable objects. They've been tossing us up and down to side with them with their persuasive positions. We are tired, we can't side anybody. Government has tried, ASUU too have tried. We only want to resume and graduate", he said.
At the time of filing this report, the demonstration is relatively peaceful as law enforcement agents are also present to monitor the situation. However, nothing has been heard from the Governor as Lokoja goes into flame of different mix of Aluta songs.
