Ojie Paul Becomes First NACRISS President To Leave Money In Union’s Treasury

By Jeremiah Archibong

The emeritus President of National Association of Cross River State Students, Cross River State College of Education Awi, Akamkpa chapter (NACRISS-CRSCOEA), Paul Ojie has become the first President in the history of the union to leave behind money in the treasury of the union for his successor.

Paul disclosed that a total sum of one hundred and twenty thousand naira only (N120, 000).was left in the account while handing over documents to his successor, Ita Ekpenyong, after giving a valedictory speech at the inauguration ceremony for the new executives.

He maintained that, “I inherited nothing from my predecessor which to some extent made it difficult for us to start our administration but today you have something good to start with”.

He went on to reveal that because he had an open mind to serve, he was able to find a middle ground with the management of the institution to collect dues from students which though was not enough but supported him in running the government.

Ojie enjoined his successor and his team to build on the foundation already laid by his administration noting that he was unable to do much for the union because as at the time he came on board he was struggling to mend fences with several quarters because of the incessant crisis that had rocked the union in time past.

On his part, the incoming President, Ita Ekpenyong lauded his predecessor for taking the bold step of setting the pace for good governance in student unionism in the College promising that he won’t fail to do more.

Ita while assuring the union members present of his plans to do better, beckoned on them to support his programs because he cannot do it alone stressing that his doors are open for developmental ideas.

It will be recalled that in the history of NACRISS in the new College right from the first care taker President (Nkwo Nya) to the first elected President (Jones Etim), and Ojie’s predecessor, Victor Eneji, the union was crippled by financial accountability crisis which created a big divide in the union.