Academic and administrative services were yesterday grounded at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AkwaPoly), at Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State, as angry protesters locked out the reactor, Dr. Moses Umobong, students and other workers of the institution.
The protest, which started yesterdaymorning, LEADERSHIP gathered, became the last resort by the aggrieved youths drawn from the two host communities of Ikot Osurua and Atan Ikot Okoro, demanding the removal of Rector Umobong, over alleged neglect of the communities in appointments, contracts and development initiatives.
They accused the management of the institution of non-recognition of their Community Liaison Officer (CLO), one Comrade Aniekere Sunday Udoma, by the school management, arguing his exclusion has denied the communities the opportunity to be captured in the scheme of things.
As early as 6:00 a.m., the protesters locked the school gates and blocked the main gate along Ikot Ekpene – Aba Road, preventing the rector, staff and students from accessing their offices and classrooms.
Armed with placards of varying inscriptions; “Rector Must Go,” “Umobong, Respect Our Village Heads,” “Don’t Impose CLO on Us,” “Local Content Is Our Right,” “Where Is Our 2022 Quota for Employment?” and “Governor Umo Eno, Please Come to Our Aid,” the youths accused the rector of disrespecting their communities and undermining their rights.
Leading the protest, a youth activist, Comrade Ekikere Simon Iko, explained that the communities of Ikot Osurua and Atan Ikot Okoro, had written several letters to the rector since September 24, 2024, but with no commensurate responses.
He recalled that during a recent visit to their village heads, the rector had promised to respond to their concerns within one week but failed to do so.
He said, “Our main grievance is the Rector’s decision to appoint a Polytechnic Liaison Officer instead of recognising the CLO duly chosen by the host communities.”
He stressed that the communities have maintained a peaceful and cordial relationship with the institution for over 34 years, and only resorted to the protest to press home their demands.
Also speaking, Comrade Iniobong William Ikono, former youth president of Ikot Osurua, presented copies of letters earlier sent to the rector, whom he accused of sidelining the communities, slashing stipends for part-time workers from the host communities from N50,000 to N30,000, and failing to allocate admission slots to indigenes as previously practiced.
Comrade Onoitem Patrick Akpan, former vice youth president of Atan Ikot Okoro, also aligned his voice, while the leaders collectively appealed to Governor Umo Eno, to intervene, commending his ARISE Agenda and investments in education, particularly in the institution.
Addressing the protesters, the rector, Dr. Moses Umobong, welcomed Comrade Aniekere Sunday Udoma’s recognition as CLO and promised to look into their demands before angry community youths flung the gate open.
