Resign – Tuc Tells Uniport Vc Over Death Of 400-level Student During Protest

BEVERLY HILLS, April 12, (THEWILL) – The Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the vice chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to resign following the shooting to death of a student during a demonstration on Monday, April 11, 2016.

The TUC, led by Chika Onuegbu, said it condemned in its entirety the unwarranted killing of students of the University who were on a peaceful protest.

“We are worried that if there unarmed and protesting students would be so killed in cold blood, then there is no guarantee that protesting workers or citizens will not be killed,” it said.

“We call on the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police and the Minister for Education to as a matter of utmost urgency identify and prosecute those who killed the innocent protesting students.

“We note that students all over the world have the right to protest. And as a matter of fact, the right to peaceful protest is protected by the Nigerian constitution.

“We want to state categorically that if within 14 days our demand is not met, we shall convene an emergency TUC State Council meeting and invite the State Council to take a decision on this matter including the decision to withdraw the services of all our members in Rivers State.

“We want to state categorically that if the Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT cannot handle a mere student protest, then he should resign immediately. Silence in this matter cannot be golden but an actively collaboration with the murderers of the students.”

The students were protesting against an increase in fees demanding that those who did not meet up or who paid part of the fees should be allowed to write exams and pay later while the police were invited leading to the death of Peter Opurum, a 400-level student.