Protesters Shut Down UNEC Over Convocation Election Controversy

Mammoth gathering of alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) took their demonstration to the Enugu campus today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, continuing their protest against the alleged imposition of Chukwuemeka Udoh as a candidate in the ongoing convocation election. This demonstration is sequel to the protest held at the Nsukka Campus yesterday.

The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, completely shut down the entrance gate of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), effectively preventing any movement in and out of the campus. The protestors reiterated their demand for a fair election and the cancellation of the controversial imposition.

Comrade Nicholas Chinedu, a graduate of UNEC, in an interview with newsmen, expressed his frustration over the alleged manipulation of the election process by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu. He stated, "This protest is not just for UNEC alone but for the entire alumni who believe in the sanctity of democratic processes. We will not sit idly by while our institution is hijacked by power-hungry individuals seeking to impose their will on us. We demand a free and fair election."

Comrade Uramah Ejiofor, another graduate of UNEC, also voiced his concerns. "The protest here today is to remind the authorities that we will not tolerate any form of injustice in the election process. We are asking for the immediate cancellation of the sham election process, which is being driven by the unilateral decisions of the Acting Vice Chancellor. This is about the future of UNN, and we must protect its integrity."

It has now become clear that the protesters were determined to intensify their efforts if their demands were not met. Several placards read, “UNEC Alumni say no to manipulation,” “We demand fair convocation election,” and “UNEC stands for transparency.”

The protestors also issued a warning that if their demands were not addressed, they would expand their demonstrations futher. They reiterated that they had no intention of backing down until the Vice Chancellor was held accountable for what they consider illegal actions.

In a statement, the protest leaders called on the Pro-Chancellor, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), to urgently intervene and reverse the controversial changes made to the election process. They also insisted that the elections be conducted in full accordance with the university’s standing orders and that all attempts at manipulating the process be halted immediately.

The protesters, in both Nsukka and Enugu, remain united in their fight for justice, calling for a truly democratic process that respects the wishes of the convocation members. As the demonstration concluded for the day, the protesters vowed to maintain their pressure on the university leadership until their demands were met, with plans for further action already in the works.