NANS Demands SUG Reinstatement, Rector’s Removal at Bayelsa Polytechnic
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS Zone B, South-South, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the elected Students’ Union Government leadership of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, following its continued dissolution by the institution’s management. In a statement signed by the Zone B Coordinator, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu Anthony, the students’ body described the elected SUG leadership as the legitimate representatives of the student body and said they should not be removed without due process and meaningful engagement. NANS Zone B also called for the removal of the Polytechnic’s Rector, Chief Wisdom Soreh, accusing him of allegedly refusing to cooperate with fact-finding efforts by NANS delegates and failing to provide an avenue for constructive dialogue over the dispute. The students’ body said the alleged refusal to engage with its representatives was troubling and had created concerns about the manner in which the institution was being administered. NANS also acknowledged reports that the Rector has the backing of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, but maintained that such support should not be used to undermine students’ rights or peaceful efforts to resolve the dispute.
PHOTO CREDIT: NANS ZONE B SOUTH SOUTH
The organisation is demanding the unconditional reinstatement of the SUG President and other elected officers, the withdrawal of any administrative action dissolving the union, and immediate government intervention. It is also calling for an independent dialogue involving the Bayelsa State Government, Polytechnic management, the Governing Council, NANS and student representatives to find a lasting solution. NANS Zone B said, in line with a directive from the NANS National President, it will begin formal steps on Friday, August 14, to pursue the demands and engage relevant authorities. The group stressed that it supports lawful institutional authority but insisted that such authority must be exercised with accountability and respect for students’ rights. NANS warned that if the demands are not addressed within a reasonable period, it may commence further lawful and peaceful student actions across the state. The organisation said any action taken would be peaceful and aimed at defending students’ rights and restoring dialogue at the institution.
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