It was April 11 2016 a student of Management Science, University of Port Harcourt, Peter Ofurum became a victim of extrajudicial killing by the Nigeria Police Force. The young man who was also the faculty president killed by the disbanded SARS trigger-happy officer for leading a protest against, harsh policy of “No School Fees, No Exam” by the varsity.
A young journalist, also alumnus of the University, Ikenna Charles George-Esiaba posted on his timeline to mark five years remembrance of his demise. He narrated how the comrade was killed and how the new management of the institution has immortalised him. He wrote:
11TH APRIL, 2016; A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
According to Abraham Lincoln, “We may not be able to predict the future but we can shape it”.
It was on the 11th of April, 2016 that Students’ of University of Port Harcourt, took a bold step against the harsh order of the school Management captioned “No School Fees, No Exam Policy”.
It was gathered that the 11th of April, 2016, was the first day slated for the commencement of the first semester examination in the school. However, over thousands of students trooped out in mass for a peaceful protest to speak out for what was right, and to appeal to the school’s Management over the harsh and sudden Policy.
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On that faithful day, Uniport Students were seen along the East West Road Axis of Port Harcourt on black T-shirts, carrying placards written, “Say No! To No School Fees, No Exam Policy” As they chanted different Aluta songs.
But, what was seen as a peaceful demonstration turned into one of agony as the President of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Comrade Peter Ofurum, was allegedly shot dead by the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who were supposed to be on ground to ensure that the protest was peaceful but they displayed unprofessional police brutality which led to other casualties.
This harsh and sudden policy which still exist till date led to a massive number of dropouts in the school, some student Unionist were also victimized while some other students allegedly committed suicide out of fear.
Days after this protest, some students who were found around the school environment were arrested and beaten up mercilessly by the men of SARS for looting school properties.
During this despondent period in Uniport, nobody was to be trusted as Comrades rebelled against Comrades.
Today, Five years after the untimely death of Comrade Peter Chibuzo Ofurum, it has been said that the current Students’ Union President of University of Port Harcourt, Comr. Sowari Dikibo has proposed to name the newly constructed walkway in the school after Comrade Peter Ofurum in memory of his death in the struggle.
May the soul of Comrade Peter Ofurum and all Comrades who lost their lives in the struggle rest in perfect peace.
MYUNIPORTSTORY
JUSTICE4PETEROFURUM
ENDSARS
UNIPORTWILLBEGREATAGAIN
VIVA_ALUTA!
Let’s make the world a better place.
The Motive With Charles George
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