Comrade Emmanuel Ayantayo Atabuchiashima, popularly known as Emito, has been sworn in as the newly elected Student Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal University of Abuja, after defeating his closest rival, Comrade Danlami Ibrahim.
The swearing in which was done by the vice chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, and dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Umar Kari respectively was held in the library within the school premise on Wednesday, in the presence of other dignitaries.
In his opening speech, Comrade Emmanuel thanked the school management, and electoral body for ensuring a peaceful election while appreciating students of the great institution for their unflinching and optimum encouragement, and support throughout the phase of the SUG election.
He said: “Today is not only for my victory but a celebration for all University of Abuja students’ desire for a positive change and impact. With a great sense of enthusiasm and a penchant humility, I stand here today acknowledging the task before me.
“I am, however, grateful for the trust you all have overtime bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne out of selflessness by my fellow comrades; for I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our predecessors prescribed since the inception of the Student Union Government.
“The trumpet of challenges faced by students cannot overwhelm me, because it is my earnest belief that I Comrade Emmanuel Ayantayo, will by the grace of God, surmount all challenges and give the students during my reign as SUG President, a bane of hope, a surge of fulfilment and a lasting feeling of satisfaction for without fear but due respect, if shall carry on and perform my duties.
“Again, let me reiterate that in this administration, our relationship with the management will be in two ways, one, intentional partnership and two, in Loco Parentis (in the place of a parent) because it is trite that as much as the students need the management, the management also needs the students.
“In peculiar situations where the management exercises full discretionary power, we humbly seek that decisions are made bearing in mind the in loco parentis role, the management plays towards the students. We are not coming on board to be anti-management but to unequivocally represent the interest of the students and to represent every form of justice.”
The SUG president, however, solicited for full support from the office of the Dean of Students Affairs, the vice chancellor, the School Senate and Governing Council, and other fellow unions in the struggle.
