The students, numbering over 200 and representing all tertiary institutions in the state, including the Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, College of Education, Igueben, College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi and Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, said the action of some students of the University of Benin was politically motivated and would not be condoned.
Addressing the Governor, President, Student Union Government, Tayo Akpata University of Education, formerly known as College of Education, Ekiadolor, Comrade Amenaghawon Emmanuel said, “We are here to show our strong solidarity to you and your entire cabinet because we know, overtime, there are bound to be detractors and opposition but regardless of all these, we want to let you know that those who are with you are more than those who are against you.
“Specifically, I will want to talk about the script that was acted out a few days ago on television. It is glaring to all that those behind the script are agents of darkness that are against the state. It may please you to know sir that students are presently not in session. The question then is, those that barricaded the highway, where did they come from? Are they actually students? Why did they not burn the Comrade bus gift to their own institution? That display actually negates the wish of the generality of students in Edo State.
“So sir, on behalf of the entire students as well as the management of Tertiary Institutions in Edo State, we want to tender an unreserved apology on behalf of Edolites. We also want to use this opportunity to let you know that we are grateful for the cordial relationship existing between the students in Edo state and the state government”.
The students also used the occasion to present an award of excellence to the Governor for his “developmental strides not only in rebuilding the then College of Education but extending your developmental efforts to all Institutions in the state irrespective of ownership”.
Others who spoke were the President, National Association of Edo Students, Comrade Gideon Aidonijie and Comrade Agbonlahor Agape, President, Student Union Government, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi amongst others.
In his remarks, the governor expressed thanks to the students for the honor bestowed on him.
He said, “As Governor, I need the courage to make decisions without minding whose ox is gored because what has led to impunity across the country is that government is unable to find the courage to apply rules clearly without looking at faces.
Oshiomhole said, “I made up my mind from a very early age after fighting my battles as you are fighting your battles that I shall commit myself to standing on the side of truth and God will give me courage to do what I am convinced about. That has guided my actions since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State”.
While examining the recent court action by the University of Benin against the Edo State Government in relation to properties owned by the state, Oshiomhole said, “People have been misinformed about the real issue concerning that property”.
He explained that the UNIBEN is not the owner of the said properties in the Government Reservation Areas of the state capital, but belonged to the state government and the court had so ruled, charging the students not to allow themselves to be used by greedy and frustrated politicians at the detriment of their academic pursuit.
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