Despite Intimidation, IMSU Students Continue Protest In Owerri

Despite allegations of manhandling and assault during day one of their protest, students of Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) continued their demonstrations on the second day in Owerri to express their displeasure over the closing down of the citadel because of striking lecturers.


The students claimed they got the backing of their colleagues of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Federal Polytechnic, Nekede

A statement attached to the official Facebook page of this newspaper by the protesting students  read thus:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE PEACEFUL PROTEST OF CONCERNED IMSU STUDENTS.
- DAY 2.
Released today, 16th May 2016.

Today marked the second day of the ongoing peaceful demonstration by Imo state University Students who have decided to show concern and register their dissatisfaction over the shutdown of the institution by striking lecturers.
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The peaceful demonstration began after much go-ahead hesitations from the security agencies that ended up guarding and guiding the process as Imo stars got massive support from the National association of Nigeria Students (NANS) who were on dual protest ability. The first being a solidarity movement with Imo stars against the industrial action and secondly a registration of the discomfort of Nigerian students over the hike in premium motor spirit (PMS) pump price by the Federal Government .
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Students from Federal University of Technology Owerri, and Federal Polytechnic Nekede joined the movement to agitate over the deplorable state of roads in their locales. The students ensured that they peacefully demonstrated from IMSU main gate down to Control post axis of Owerri as they entertained various inquisitive media outfits nosing for news. The March for emancipation and liberation was halted around freedom square area where letters from NANS that addressed the IMSU ASUU strike and the New PMS pump price were handed over to a government representative who is expected to make the delivery to the state governor's desk.
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Indeed, the demonstration was very peaceful as our well courteous and security-friendly students adhered to the code conduct. We were escorted back to the campus by security agents where we appealed to the University management to fine tune their negotiation with the parties involved to enable us return back to school by addressing officials present at the office of the vice chancellor as at that time.
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We hereby wish to use this medium to appreciate the security agents and all concerned students who made today's Aluta struggle to be a resounding success as we are saying to you Imo Star within Owerri city; Come! Let's do it again tomorrow morning by 7:00am as we fully occupy IMSU ASUU.
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We can never be intimidated, we can never be stampeded Nigerian Students Great!
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SIGNED:
Information committee on peaceful demonstration of concerned IMSU students.
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Brought to you by: Rotr Chukwunenye Maduabuchi Stanley a.k.a SenatorMaf Imsu.


PHOTO: Some Of The Protesting Students
PHOTO CREDIT: IMSU BREAKING NEWS