Tensions are rising at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) over allegations of undue interference by the management in the upcoming Students Union Government (SUG) election.
The election, scheduled for this Thursday, has been marred by controversy following the disqualification of some popular candidates.
The disqualifications have caused unrest among the student body, with many aggrieved students now appealing to the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, to urgently intervene and prevent a potential crisis. The students argue that the disqualification of some contestants without clear justification is unconstitutional and unacceptable.
One of the affected students, Mr Chibuzo Longinus Ozorinyiegbu, a top contender for the position of SUG President, claimed that he was unjustly disqualified by the management to pave the way for a preferred candidate. He believes this act contributes to a lack of transparency and accountability in the system.
“I am a 300-level student in the department of political science. I indicated interest to run for the position of SUG President and have consulted widely, including printing of posters and flyers," Ozorinyiegbu said. He further explained that after passing the school screening, he underwent additional screenings by the DSS and Anti-Cult. However, following these screenings, a memo was released stating that some candidates, including himself, had been disqualified.
Ozorinyiegbu expressed his frustration at the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for his disqualification, stating, “My reputation and future is at stake now because people need to know if I’m a cultist or have committed any crime in the past. There must be an answer and reason for my disqualification."
He revealed to journalists that he had already obtained a court order halting the election as initially scheduled, citing faults in the entire process, including the composition of the electoral committee which lacked faculty representation as required by the SUG constitution.
Ozorinyiegbu called for strict adherence to the SUG constitution in the conduct of the election, believing that this would ensure a level playing field for all contestants. He expressed concern about the future of the country if such alleged injustice, manipulation, and open rigging were allowed in an institution meant to nurture future leaders.