In a bold display of defiance, hundreds of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Alumni members took to the streets yesterday to protest the alleged imposition and election manipulation in the just-concluded convocation election.
The protesters, who gathered at Total Roundabout, marched to the Vice Chancellor’s Office, chanting slogans and waving placards that read “No to Election Manipulation” and “Free and Fair Elections Now”.
At the forefront of the protest were Comr Clinton Ogbonna, a graduate of the Department of Political Science, and Omego Bonaventure Chigozie, another UNN alumnus. They were joined by numerous other Alumni members who were determined to make their voices heard.
The protesters are demanding a free, fair, and credible election where all candidates have an equal chance to contest. They also want all eligible voters to be given the right to vote without being chased away by university security.
Other demands include following the due process in conducting the election, replacing the unrecognised ICT firm contracted for the election, and making the registration process open to all Alumni members. The protesters also want the Vice Chancellor to refrain from imposing his candidate on the people, as this negates the university’s values of restoring the dignity of man.
“We will not stand idly by while our rights are trampled upon,” declared Comr Ogbonna. “We demand a free and fair election, where every Alumni member has an equal chance to participate.”
The protest has sparked widespread concern among the university community, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in university governance.
As the protesters continue to demand justice, the university administration has yet to respond to their demands. The situation remains tense, with many fearing that the situation could escalate if not addressed promptly.
The protest is a clear indication that the Alumni members will no longer tolerate any form of manipulation or injustice. They are determined to fight for their rights and ensure that the university upholds its values of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
As one protester succinctly put it, “We will not rest until justice is served.”
In a related development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has thrown its weight behind the protesting Alumni members. In a statement released yesterday, NANS condemned the alleged election manipulation and called on the university administration to address the grievances of the Alumni members.
The situation at UNN remains fluid, with many expecting a response from the university administration in the coming days. As the protesters continue to demand justice, one thing is clear: the Alumni members will not back down until their demands are met.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.