The President, Students Union Government of the Cross River State University of Technology, CRUTECH, Mr. Ekong Ita has told crossriverwatch this evening that he regrets his participation in a march this morning by National Association of Cross River Students, NACRISS to protest what the students referred to as extortion and insecurity on campus.
Contrary to what some of the student leaders told crossriverwatch earlier this morning Mr. Ekong Ita, a final years student of Fine Arts, said “it was not the school management that collected money from students. It was one Mr. Richard Otu. He is the Director of Social NACRISS Worldwide. As at yesterday, he had collected 2.8million Naira and when the bursary was not forth coming some of the students came to me and complained and threatened me that if I don’t join them in the action they were planning, they will burn down my house. I’m a leader! I went to Mr. Otu to ask for the money and he told me he can’t give me the money because his office is higher than mine and he has more access to the State Governor and politicians than me. That is what led to today’s protest”.
Mr. Ekong who said he was speaking from hiding because security agents are looking for him explained that, “I did not plan the action. I was not part of the planning. I did not lead the protest. They just called me to come and join them. And now I’m the one that is being victimized in everything”. When crossriverwatch asked the Student Union President how the students that he leads will feel about him regretting leading them on a botched action, he said “all of them are saying government is going to arrest me or rusticate me or not pay me my allowances. I broke my hand and sustained bruises today. In fact, I will say I regret going for the protest but any how, notice has been given that we want our money back”.
On the insecurity and conditions of the campus, Mr. Ekong said “the Governor has tried so much and should be encouraged”. He also requested that the government should clarify the secrecy shrouding the bursary award.