Expelled former students’ leader apologizes to Auchi Poly

NAN-H-30
Apology
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, Feb. 12, 2018 (NAN) Expelled former students’ union leader at Auchi Polytechnic, Unareloukpia Patrick, has apologised for bringing the reputation of the institution into disrepute.
In his letter of apology made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Patrick said he and others were used by some disgruntled elements to disrupt academic activities at the institution.
In the letter addressed to the institution’s acting rector, Patrick pleaded for forgiveness, saying “we are all human and therefore susceptible to manipulations by external forces at one time or the other.
“And as human too, our consciences do tell us that indeed, enough is enough. This is exactly my case in the whole events that have been going on in Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi,’’ he said.
The former Speaker of the Students Union Government (SUG) said that some student leaders were paid to organize series of protests and to cast aspersion and discredit the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr Sanusi Jimah.
“I want to let the general public know that I have never and can never be part of those who want to perpetuate evil in the name of Aluta struggle to disrupt the peaceful running of Auchi Polytechnic.
“I hereby apologize to the management of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, ably led by the amiable and dynamic Acting Rector, Dr Momodu Sanusi Jimah, to please forgive me.
“And also to make it known that I am ready to come out plain to defend my actions if called upon to do so.
Patrick later told NAN in a telephone interview that he was not coerced into writing the letter of apology.
“I can confirm that I wrote the letter of apology to the management of the polytechnic and I was never pressurised to do it,’’ he said.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Dr Sanusi Jimah, confirmed receipt of the letter of apology but declined comment on whether management would rescind its decision on the expulsion or not.
Authorities of Auchi Polytechnic had last November expelled Patrick, and two others -Samson Okoduwa and Obukowho Favour Oghenerume – both former SUG’s President and Secretary General, respectively.
The trio were accused of impersonating themselves as union officials after the institution had banned union activities during the examination period.
The institution said that the trio also led hoodlums to disrupt the first paper of the second semester examinations and refused to hand over union property in their possession.
According to the polytechnic, the expelled students engaged themselves in series of activities that brought disrepute to the institution. (NAN)
KOO/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)