Right Groups Urge University To Recall Suspended Students
2 min read
by Oyagiri Chime
A coalition of rights group has asked the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt in Rivers State to rescind its decision to suspend two students of the institution over Facebook comments.
The students, Remmy Chibuzor and Sunday Idongesit were suspended as a a result of their comments on facebook to a press release by the vice chancellor of the school.
The right groups described the suspension as unfortunate, adding that the process of suspending the students lacks fair hearing as the affected students were not referred to any disciplinary committee.
It urged the school management to without delay recall the students since the suspension lacks merit, due process and amounts to the violation of the right of freedom of expression of the students.
In a press release made available to BochNews, it said; “As groups and individuals conscious of the right of every citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it smacks conspiracy and complicity on our part if we fail to speak truth to the management of the institution.
“It is on record that we reached out to the VC last month when a female student of the institution was allegedly gang raped by three male students and subsequently commended him for ensuring the arrest of the two out of three suspects.
“It is our view that the school management should hearken to the voice of reasoning and reverse the suspension.”
The press release was signed by Press Wiro and Festus Bonwin Esq for Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Karl Chinedu Uchegbu, Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) and Gbenga Austen Oladapo Esp, Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative.
Others were; Dandyson Harry Dandyson, Centre for Human Rights Health Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD), Emem Okon-Kebetkache, Women Development and Resource Centre, David Nelson Ordu, former President of Students Union Government, RSU and Comr. Manson Dumlebabari, former Chief Judge SUG/Assistant Secretary General, Ken Poly Alumni.
