Candidate kidnapped as poly holds SUG election

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) in Edo State has held its election amid intimidation and violence.

One of the two presidential candidates in the election, David Utibe of the Department of Computer Science, was kidnapped by unknown hoodlums a few days to the election.

David, who was kidnapped with others was released on the day of manifesto. He had bandage . bandage on his arm and walked with the aid of crutches.

The school authorities are investigating the incident, which prevented David from carrying on with his campaign.

Despite the violence and pressure from
students, the Auchi Polytechnic Electoral
Commission (APECO) did not postpone the election, clearing the way for David’s rival Joseph Iroghama, an HND 1 Accountancy student, to intensify his campaign. 

The election washeld at the Philipa Idogho campus. Announcing the results, the electoral committee declared Joseph the winner, having polled 4,639 votes to beat David, who had 3,687 votes.

Also, Adaeze Ofuzor is Vice-President with 3,437 votes, while Courage Ohenzuwa emerged General Secretary with 4,414 votes. Others are Assistant General Secretary,Chinenye Ossai, Director of Finance, Smart Osarodion, Treasurer, Peter Nwaoshai, Director of Welfare, Itama Omoye, Deputy Director of
Welfare, Taofiq Yakubu, Director of Socials, Samuel Ekhator, Director of Publicity, Isaac Imohimi, and Director of Sports, Ezekiel Osarumwense.

Joseph, in his acceptance speech, promised to pursue policies that would have a direct impact on students’ welfare. 

He said dialogue would be the key tool of his administration, saying: “I will serve as an intermediary between students. I will not give reason to students to fight management or make management see reasons to victimise students. I will always employ dialogue and negotiation to drive our agitation.”