In order to curb insecurity, cultism and other vices usually experienced within localities hosting tertiary institutions, communities accommodating, the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, has unanimously adopted a common front to combat the menace.
Arising from a security meeting held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at the Polytechnic’s Council Hall, the host communities’ representatives of Ikot Osurua, Atan Ikot Okoro, Abia Okpo Ntak Inyang, Ikot Uboh and Ikot Akpan Abia observed that over 80 per cent of students’ population of the institution live in their communities.
The stakeholders, who expressed concern over the increasing rate of cult activities among students and youths in the communities, resolved that they would safeguard their communities against cult groups or for initiation or any cult-related action.
To fortify security linkage within host communities and achieve their set target, the stakeholders said the meeting was expedited at the instance of a security expert and AkwaPoly security Coordinator, Mr. Oliver Cromwell with the approval of the Rector of the school, Dr. Israel Affia to proffer a workable technique that would permanently eliminate the menace.
Accordingly, effort of Peace on Campus Initiative (PCI), an anti- cult group in the fight against vices was commended by the communities and as well, appealed to organization to take its campaign against cultism to the host communities as some indigenes of the village youths were alleged to be cultists.
The host communities appealed to Police Command authority to establish police sub-station within the polytechnic for constant security checks of the polytechnic and its communities as well as payment of compensation by government to communities whose land the polytechnic situate.
The Communiqué signed by stakeholders from the host communities condemned the bullying and cruelty method adopted by Community Neighbourhood Watch and villagers as punishment on students or visitors who arrived late night to the communities insisting that rather than engaged in meanness, the victim should be made remain with group till the ensuing morning.
While acknowledging the cordial working relationship existing between the polytechnic security and the communities the stakeholders appealed to the leadership of the polytechnic to caution students against disobeying the communities’ norms and regulations resolving that there would be tenancy documentation form from landlords to tenants (students) in order to guide against criminality.
“We have observed with dismay, the alleged criminal activities of hoodlums who were mandatorily withdrawn from the school embarking on forceful initiation of innocent students into cultism, thereby disturbing the peace of our communities. As a result of this, we appealed to AkwaPoly management to publish names of students that were expelled so that we can have legal backing to kick them out of our domains”, the statement reads.
The communities applauded Dr. Isreal Affia on the various steps already taken to handle the security challenges in the institution and it communities since assumption of office as Rector in January 2013 and pledged their support to his administration as well as Comrade Oliver Cromwell and the chief security officer of the institution, Mr. Edet Akpan for their ingenuity in convening the meeting and described the move as a welcome development.
“We thanked Dr, Affia for facilitating the employment of four graduates (indigenes) of the communities into the institution and described it as unprecedented and his effort in carrying the host communities along in his administration which has ushered in peaceful atmosphere for business to thrive within the polytechnic and its communities. We called for consideration of indigenes in admission into the institution.
“Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic’s community condemned in strong terms media attacks by some mischief makers (sponsored elements) against Dr. Affia, The attack is not unconnected with the second term ambition of the Rector. We therefore call on other individuals interested in the office of the Rector of Akwapoly to rescind his or her ambition and work for the emergence of Dr. Affia for a second term in office as he (Dr. Affia) remains our preferred choice.” They declared.
The communiqué was signed by Village Head and Village Chairman of Ikot Akpan Abia, Augustine Daniel Affangide and Chief Patrick J. Ukpong; Chief David Akpa Udo (Village Head),Samuel C. Akpan, Ekere Idongesit Michael and Mbere-obong Justine (Youth Presidents) signed on behalf of Ikot Uboh; Elder Patrick A. Akpan (Village Chairman), Kufre Effiong Umoetok(Youth President) and Patrick Useh(Vigilante leader) signed for Abia Okpo Natk Inyang.
Others were Clement Aba Ekpe Umoh,Village Chairman, Ikot Osurua; Rtd Inspect Francis Robert Udo (Village Chairman), Atan Ikot Okoro and Ekanem Utomobong signed on behalf of Ward 8 Youth Leader.
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