An elected Ogun Governor has never unleashed terror on students – LP carpets Amosun

The Labour Party, LP, in Ogun on Friday, said its attention has been drawn to the ongoing attacks on the students of Ogun State, who were protesting the bad policies of the government in the educational sector, particularly in the state-owned higher institutions.
It recalled that the governor during the electioneering campaign promised a 50% reduction in the student’s school fees and also promised a total overhaul of the educational sector in the state but that he has failed to implement same since 2011.
Noting that the Commissioner for Education on Tuesday announced a reduction in the school fees beginning from 2014/2015 academic session, LP stated that the students kicked against the decision because the cut they wanted shouldn’t be less than 40% and that it must be with immediate effect and not next year as said by the government.
In a statement made available to NewsGenesis by Mobolaji Odunuga, media aide to the state Chairman, LP insisted that it was the fundamental right of students to have peaceful protests.
It condemned in strong terms, the alleged ordered attacks and the arrest of students by policemen acting on the instructions of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
“The merit of democracy is for people to express their views and be heard, not tear gassing or bullying them as it is the practice during the military era”, he said.
“It is bad for the government to sponsor students in the state against themselves which is an indication that the governor is biased and he is corrupting the mind of tomorrow’s leaders.
“This is the first time a democratic elected governor will unleash terror on protesting students in Ogun State and this shows the enormity of violence that is inherent in the personality of the governor as this has been part of his attitude”, he added.

The statement concluded with an appeal to rights activists and parents to rise up in defence of the students “as this action of the government is an infringement on their rights and freedom of expression”.

 

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