News
Coalition Criticizes Peter Obi Over Alleged Student Killings at Auchi Polytechnic
Mariam Abeeb
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Transparency in Governance have faulted presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi for allegedly buying into the false narrative that students of the Auchi polytechnic were being maimed and killed by security agents.
The coalition led by its convener, Prince Danesi Momoh and Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, co-convener at a press conference on Friday in Abuja wondered why a man of Mr. Peter Obi’s public and political standing could jump on a bandwagon and totally de-market and smear a thriving institution like Auchi Polytechnic.
The coalition noted that Obi’s intervention furher heightened anxiety amongst parents, guardians and the public who felt that the students are facing grave danger or dire security challenge.
“This unnecessary aggravation put more pressure on the school and Auchi town due to overstretched anxiety. Though we are aware of Mr. Obi’s political attention seeking schemes, which are within his rights; we are sore worried about why he will post an unverified news, even when he can easily access institutions that can give him the correct information,” they added.
“For a man who always charged us to “go and verify”, this is distasteful, because we have now verified and the result is the very opposite of what Mr. Obi posted. Yes, Obi lied; indeed he lied hard!We hope that he will have the humility to apologise and retract his statement.”
The coalition contended that security reports and report of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) who are officially accredited observers confirm that it was not a question of lack of security or management negligence, but clearly the work of fifth columnists who had concealed ulterior motives.
They added that the alleged sabotage led to allowing access to some members of the local community into the school to disrupt the election of the students union government (SUG) when their preferred candidate was clearly losing. These locals carried knives to scare students.
The coalition called for the immediate suspension of the SUG till all the surrounding and emerging issues are sorted stressing the need for an interim arrangement to be put in place for a very brief period for students- management engagements, since nature abhors vacuum.
Among others, they called for the consideration of electronic voting system in the future, especially in line with the innovations and excellence being vigorously pursued by the present leadership of Auchi Poly.
They thereby wished the Rector of the institution, Dr. S. S. Umar, his team, the Governing Council and indeed the ever resilient students all the best just as they applauded their prompt response to the disruption of activities in the institution of higher learning.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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