Sunny David-Awka.
Over one thousand students from various tertiary institutions in Anambra State have staged a peaceful demonstration in Awka, demanding the continuation of the Agunaechemba and Udo Ga-Achi security outfits despite allegations of human rights violations against some of their operatives.
The protesters, drawn from the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) and the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), were mobilized under the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC), Anambra axis.
Institutions represented included Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu; Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam; and the Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha.
Addressing the protesters, NANS JCC chairman, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemerie, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ignore calls for the disbandment of the security outfits. He maintained that their presence has reduced crime, restored peace, and made the State safer for students and residents.
“Today, students can sleep peacefully, travel freely, and even move at night without fear of attack. These security teams have done well and should be encouraged to do more,” Chukwuemerie said.
Other student leaders praised the State government for infrastructural development and recreational projects, pledging their support for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid.
Reacting to the demonstration, Governor Soludo’s Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Comrade Okoye Matthew Okpara, commended the students for their solidarity. He noted that the administration has prioritized security and infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Governor, Chief of Staff Hon. Ernest Ezeajughi thanked them for their support. He stressed that the Soludo administration would continue to improve security and student welfare.
“What the Governor is doing in the area of security is commendable. We urge you not to listen to politicians trying to politicize insecurity. Kidnapping and other crimes have reduced significantly, and we expect everyone to support the Governor to sustain this progress,” he said.