By Amby Uneze in Owerri
An appeal has gone to the governor of Imo state, Chief Rochas Okorocha to spare the footbridge that connects the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Owerri and Shell Camp Campus of the institution and the adjourning security walls for the continued safety of the lives of both staff and students as well as the security of the property of the college.
Sending the plead on behalf of the institution’s authorities, the Chairman, Joint Action Committee (JAC) of all the house unions in the institution, Comrade Ukachi Wachukwu urged the governor to exercise restraint in the proposed demolition of Alvan flyover (footbridge) and the security walls which had been marked for demolition.
According to her, the pedestrian crossing which was constructed by a one-time military administrator of the state, now late Cmdr. Amadi Ikwuechegh as a result vehicular road accidents that were killing and maiming students and staff on constant basis was the only lyrics solution that stopped such menace on that spot.
“Again the removal of the walls and the pedestrian bridge will constitute high degree of danger to our students and staff. We therefore appeal to the governor who is a lover education to exercise some restraint in pulling down the walls and the pedestrian bridge at the institution”, she said.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (AIFCE) chapter, Comrade Law Osuji Said that the demolition of the walls and the subsequent pulling down the pedestrian bridge will bring unforseen disaster as it was on record that over 500 staff and students use the bridge from the main reason campus to the opposite.
“The consequences of pulling down the foot-bridge that is adjourned to the security walls will be better imagined than seeing it occur as the losses would not be too much. Also the property of the institution will definitely be at risk, considering the security challenges that may occur”, he stressed.
Comrade Osuji pleaded “we are appealing to the governor to exercise restraint in his proposed plan. We enjoin the governor to please leave Alvan property alone. The consequences of the action if carried will definitely be retrogressive”.
Others who expressed concern and pleaded with the governor included the leadership of the students union government of the institution and that of the non-academic staff union (NASU) of the college.
-Shinkafi: We lost a patriot – Aregbesola
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of former boss of the defunct National Security Organisation (NSO), Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, as another monumental loss of one of the nation’s patriots and politicians.
In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said Shinkafi’s death is one that has once again dealt a devastating blow to the nation, especially the political terrain.
He said the late politician served the country in many capacities and gave his best while in active service.
He stated that as the pioneer of the nation’s indigenous security service, he presided over a solid service and gave it a track record as the intelligence service under him was one of the most vibrant branches of the police force then.
He said: “Death diminishes. Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi was a Nigerian patriot. He served Nigeria fervently with all he had from conventional police to the security intelligence arm and finally as a politician of note.
“He was a politician of high repute and immense clout. His political horizon spread across the country.
“Though a conservative, he did not shy away from grouping with the progressive camp in 1999 when he teamed up with Chief Olu Falae on the joint ticket of Alliance for Democracy.
“He was a good officer, a listening politician and intelligence officer of a first class hue.
“He will certainly be missed as a politician of high caliber, whose wealth of experience is still highly valued and needed.
“I join his numerous admirers to wish him a good repose as I commit his relations to the hands of Allah (SWT) for succor and fortitude.”
