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Political 'agents of darkness' caused UNIBEN crisis — Edo students

Edo state students have apologised to Governor Adams Oshiomhole after some students burnt a bus belonging to the state about a week ago. They gave him an award and pledged their support.

Some students in Edo state students have apologised to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the January 6th and 7th University of Benin (UNIBEN) crisis that led to the burning of a luxury bus belonging to the State Government.

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Protesting students burnt the bus and blocked roads after a bid by the Edo government to repossess some building, ownership of which is being contested by the UNIBEN authorities despite a High Court ruling in the government's favour, turned violent.

Media reports speculated that the students were angered after alleged loyalists of the governor beat up some lecturers and demolished the house of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Godwin Osayuki Oshodin.

But, according to a Nigerian Observer report, a coalition of about 200 students including students from Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi; College of Education, Igueben; College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi and Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze, have apologized for the incidence and expressed support for Oshiomole.

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The President of the Tayo Akpata University of Education Student Union Government, Amenaghawon Emmanuel, said the student decided to visit the governor to show their support.

“We are here to show our strong solidarity with you and your entire cabinet because we know, overtime, there are bound to be detractors and opposition, but regardless of all these, we want to let you know that those who are with you are more than those who are against you," Emmanuel said.

The student leader blamed the UNIBEN incidence on "agents of darkness," suggesting that the violence may not have been perpetuated by real students.

“Specifically, I will want to talk about the script that was acted out a few days ago on television. It is glaring to all that those behind the script are agents of darkness that are against the state."

“It may please you to know sir, that students are presently not in session. The question then is, those that barricaded the highway, where did they come from?  Are they actually students?"

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Emmanuel concluded by thanking the governor for the "cordial relationships existing between the students in Edo state and the state government” and apologising on behalf of Edo students.

“So, sir, on behalf of the entire students as well as the management of Tertiary Institutions in Edo State, we want to tender an unreserved apology on behalf of Edolites," Emmanuel said.

Oshoimole thanked the students and explained that he acted according to the rules.

“People have been misinformed about the real issue concerning that property," Oshiomole said.

“As Governor, I need the courage to make decisions without minding whose ox is gored because what has led to impunity across the country is that government is unable to find the courage to apply rules clearly without looking at faces."

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He maintained that the state government and not UNIBEN is the owner of the contested properties.

The students also presented an award of excellence to Oshiomole.

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