Tenure elongation: Crisis rocks National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students

Ofonime Honesty

Things are no longer at ease in the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) following the failure of its incumbent president, Aniedi Michael to quit office after his tenure elapsed on January 3, 2021.

Information gleaned from reliable sources have it that towards the end of 2020, the incumbent president had set machinery in motion to facilitate his continued stay in office.

He allegedly compelled NAAKISS parliamentarians to remove the single term clause in NAAKISS constitution.

Sources also alleged that the incumbent president has refused to tender account of his stewardship in the past one year and is also refusing to set up an electoral committee. These, some students say have led to growing unrest in the Akwa Ibom students’ community.

“At this point, Comrade Aniedi Michael should act as a gentleman by handing over power. We heard of his plans to stay in power for an additional year; now those rumours have come to fulfilment.

“The rumours that he has masterminded the amendment of NAAKISS is an illegal move that will be thoroughly resisted,” a student leader in the University of Uyo told our reporter.

Another student called on the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the education sector in the state to intervene to avert worse consequences.

When contacted, Comrade Michael urged students to consult the NAAKISS constitution, adding that he was waiting for the State Ministry of Education to give direction on the matter.

He said: “I believe the students that met with you should have the NAAKISS Worldwide constitution, and as a journalist, you should be aware that the new commissioner (for education) just came into office.

“I have already started the process, what is left is for the ministry to furnish me with the processing tools to move in. The students should have the constitution of NAAKISS.”