Businesses operators in Amassoma decry effect of university closure
Business
By Nathan Nwakamma
Amassoma (Bayelsa) May 27 2018 (NAN) Some business operators in Amassoma community of Bayelsa have decried the adverse effect on their businesses by the continued closure of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma.
They expressed their feelings in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that about a month ago, students of the university protested against an increase in the school fees which led to the closure on the institution.
Also, on May 21, some of the university workers affected by the ongoing staff rationalisation clashed with the police deployed to reopen the university gate preparatory to reopening of the institution.
Economic and social activities in the university town have been at their low ebbs following the developments as most shops and business centres remained shut.
According to James Eno who runs a restaurant in the town, the incessant students’ protests compelled the university management to close the school.
“Business was thriving here until recently when the unrests started and because most of us invested here due to high student population our operations were affected.
“Our prayer is that students should resume academic activities so that our businesses will bounce back. We urge the stakeholders to resolve all these issues,” Eno said.
Emmanuel Tam who operates a business centre lamented the lull in economic activities, alleging that the protesters looted his shop and made away with some computers and their accessories.
“The protest was regrettable. You know, when the university is not in session we still open for skeletal services because some students will still be working on their projects.
“So during the protest on May 21, we were struggling to close and the rioters entered and looted our shops.
“Now that everywhere is calm it is difficult for those of us affected because we cannot do anything,” Tam said.
Mr Friday Jackson who owns a relaxation spot also recounted his losses, saying that the spot had lacked patronage since the university was closed down.
“There was hope if not for the unfortunate incident. There was an arrangement for the students to return after the gate was reopened for staff on May 21.
But the aggrieved workers who were part of the 1,700 sacked resisted the move.
“We pray that the efforts of government to solve the problems will yield tangible results so that we can fully return to business,” Jackson said. (NAN)
NN/EMO/EMO
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Edited by Ejike Obeta