The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Transparency in Governance has criticized presidential hopeful Peter Obi for allegedly buying into false narratives about security issues at Auchi Polytechnic.
Led by Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, the coalition expressed disappointment over Obi's actions, questioning why he would spread unsubstantiated claims about the institution.
The coalition alleged that Obi jumped on a false narrative about students being maimed and killed by security agents, which they claim is untrue.
They noted that Obi's intervention heightened anxiety among parents, guardians, and the public, who felt that the students were facing grave danger.
The coalition wondered why Obi, a man of his public and political standing, would de-market and smear a thriving institution like Auchi Polytechnic.
“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 sorely worried about why he will post 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 those of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), who are officially accredited observers, confirm that it was not a question of inadequate security or management negligence, but rather the work of fifth columnists who had concealed ulterior motives.
They added that the alleged sabotage allowed some members of the local community to enter the school and disrupt the election of the students’ union government (SUG) when their preferred candidate was clearly losing. These locals carried knives to intimidate students.
The coalition called for the immediate suspension of the SUG until all surrounding and emerging issues are resolved, stressing the need for an interim arrangement to be put in place for a brief period to facilitate student-management engagements, as nature abhors a vacuum.
Among others, they called for the consideration of an 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.
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