By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent
300 level students in the Law Faculty of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), on Monday risked missing examinations to appeal the support of the Cross River State Government to treat their colleague, Mr. Orim Peter, who needs NGN5 million for surgery.
Mr. Orim is said to be suffering from a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus and the spokesman for the students who gathered at the entrance of the Government House in Calabar, Mr. Hilary Bisong said they had sent a letter hoping to get a response soon to save their colleague.
“We need the Governor now to come to our aid, to save one of our own, Orim Peter from Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River so that we would continue to support him as we have always done,” Mr. Bisong said, adding that: “The University is also trying to do something to save Peter’s life but it is slow, we can’t be waiting for them; Peter’s case is serious and needs urgent attention if we must save his life.”
He continued: “The students have tried their best in donating voluntarily but as we all know that is not enough to help him.
“Some of us have exam this afternoon but we are ready to perform poorly in that exam as long as we save Peter.”
The students who also carried placards with several messages inscribed on them, were addressed by the aide to Governor Ben Ayade on Student Affairs and Youth Mobilisation, Prince Michael Abuo.
Mr. Abuo in a statement to CrossRiverWatch said he assured the students of the Governor’s willingness to support in Orim Peter’s treatment as the health and welfare of Cross Riverians is a priority in his administration.
“You are assured of the Governor’s support but I request an official document containing details of your appeal,” he said.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus with about 1.5 million cases reported annually in Nigeria.
CrossRiverWatch had reported that voluntary donations are been sought by family and friends for Mr. Orim and can be paid into the following account:
Account Name : Orim Peter Appebbari
Account Number: 0069332101
Bank: Diamond Bank
Also, Mr. Orim’s mother can be reached on; “08092260757.”
Leave feedback about this