The Student Union Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Comrade Benson, Abasifreke Nseobong has appointed and assigned portfolios to thirty aides.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Benson, it revealed that the Union has found the aides worthy and credible in pushing the growth and development of the Union.
However, condemning the act, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong stated that a destructive political culture has infested the higher institutions in which people see proximity to political power as the beginning and end of life.
Inquiring what the SUG President will do with all the political appointees, he maintained that the political culture which has evolved in Akwa Ibom State is very sad and condemnable.
“His Excellency, the President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Students’ Union Government, Akwa Ibom State University, Comrade Abasifreke Benson, has very important information for the general public.
I must have missed a lot that year when I served as President of the Students’ Representatives Council (SRC), Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, without a single aide.
What will the President of the Union then be doing given this long list of “appointees and aides”?
I noticed that His Excellency forgot to appoint a Senior Special Adviser and a Special Adviser on Legal Matters.
There is a terrible political culture that has evolved in Akwa Ibom State; the culture of seeing ‘political appointments’ and proximity to power as the beginning and the end of life.
This destructive political culture has infested higher institutions and it is very sad.”
Meanwhile, upon the inauguration on the 21st of June, Comrade Benson who was sworn in as the 9th President, of the Students’ Union, Akwa Ibom State University, alongside other executive members and the legislative arm of the Union stated that he has borne the burden of being a mediator for the better good of the Students.
The statement reads, “Our administration poses by circumstances to be the shortest, but we are resolution to creating a lasting impact that would bear witness to the enduring strength of our constitution.
We continue a never-ending journey to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time and every factor brought into consideration.
And for as old as my registration number, I have borne the burden of being a mediator for the better good of the Students and I hope that this platform would avail me the opportunity to live that dream.
Let me thank the management of our great citadel, ably led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nse Essien for their commitment and all-inclusive leadership style and much gratitude fohonoringng my request to extend the deadline for the late payment of schoofeesee, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Dominic Ekpo and by extension the management staff of the Directorate, The Electoral Board Chairman, commissioners and other bodies that ensured the smooth conduct of the elections.
To my team and friends, thank you for all your love and support.
To everyone who graced the occasion and made the day memorable, I remain grateful.
We hope that as we begin this course, the will of God would manifest for all to see and embrace progress.
Thank you.”
