30th January, 2022
Okafor Ofiebor/ Port Harcourt
National Association of University Students has given the Nigeria Police, Choba Division up till today to remove a blockade that is causing traffic gridlock close to the UNIPORT gate.
Najeem Abayomi, Deputy National Secretary General(DSG), National Association of University students(NAUS) said the blockade will cause traffic jam during the forthcoming matriculation slated for Tuesday 1 February.
The students recalled that the blockade was erected when there were killings of policemen a year ago.
” It is very important for the Nigerian Students and the public to know that the Dean Of Students’ Affairs of the prestigious University of Port Harcourt had dialogue with the Police officers of the said station to get the blockade removed from the turning point on two different occasions.
“The blockade is always the cause of road traffic on the East-West road, which is the major road to the University.
“Several road accidents have occurred in that same road as a result of the blockade.
“Due to the upcoming matriculation event for the newly admitted students of the institution, that will be taking place on Tuesday, 1st of February, 2022, the Dean Students Affairs Dr. Chima Wokocha and the Student’s Union Executives led by the SUG President, Gift Ubabike, had intervened that the blockade should be removed before the matric to avoid hold up and lock up during the matriculation period”.
“The students regretted that despite past appeals and engagements, the Police went ahead to arrest the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the SUG President of UNIPORT after beating two of them and some students like common criminals.
“They even threatened to gun down one of our student for recording the scene.
“They stated that the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the SUG President of UNIPORT were released after the intervention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday, and the Deputy Chief Security Officer of the University of Port Harcourt.
The students lamented despite the peaceful engagements concerning the vexatious blockade unpleasant the Police in (Choba Division) still maintain the status quo that the blockade will not be removed.
The students recalled the painful death of Peter Ofurum, that was shot by Nigeria Police, the event of which is still fresh.
“To avoid the anger of Nigerian Students, we are giving the Nigerian Police (Choba Division) 24 hours ultimatum to do the needful and remove the blockage.
“Injury to one is injury to all”, Abayomi said.