Why Student Elections Are Marred By Violence In Nigeria— Oturu Sovereignty, Chairman-Elect, NANS/JCC, Delta Axis

–Says Delta State Comrade Community Will Experience Peace During His Tenure

By Daniel Dafe

The Chairman-elect, National Association of Nigerian Students/Joint Campus Committee (NANS/JCC), Delta State Axis, Comrade Oturu Sovereignty, a medical Student of Delta State University, Abraka, has blamed the violence witnessed during student elections in the country on some leaders in the student community who have compromised to work with the government of the day.

Oturu said this during an exclusive chat with Oasis Magazine (OM) recently.

He added: “These student leaders fail to differentiate students’ struggle from political struggle, hence they have given politicians the power to decide who rules the students. So, the violence we see in national politics is replicated during elections in the student community.

“Also some graduates have decided not to leave the organization for students to rule. Rather than playing advisory roles, they are also involved in contesting for elective positions and sometimes imposing their candidates on students against their wish.

He continued: “In my administration, there is going to be a clear cut difference between students’ unionism and political affiliations by students. The stakeholders still have their roles to play, but it will only be an advisory role. We will not allow politicians to hijack the struggle.”

According to him, one way to curb violence during student elections is to allow students with valid matriculation numbers without questionable character to contest for elective positions.

The chairman-elect promised to engage in constructive criticism, adding that they will not fail to apply the 3Cs of consultation, consolidation and confrontation when the need arises.

Furthermore, he said: “Delta State comrade community will experience peace during my administration. I want to beg everyone to sheathe their sword and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship so that Delta State student community will experience violence free elections.”

Oturu observed that Nigerian students have suffered intimidation and oppression from both the government and management of some tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking about his decision to vie for the position of Chairman, NANS/JCC, Delta axis, he said: “My aspiration was borne out of the desire to save Nigerian students from several ill acts meted on them by those in power.

“Under my leadership the students’ community will enjoy a conducive atmosphere for learning, good hostel accommodation, a good relationship between the management of tertiary institutions and students and I will also try to reach out to the government of the day to increase the education quota in their budget.”