The Kogi State University (KSU) Students’ Union Government (SUG) crisis has come to a head with the impeachment of the president, Philip Omepa. He was removed by the parliament for alleged funds misappropriation and destruction of the union property.
But, Philip is contending that his impeachment cannot hold because he has completed his tenure. He claimed that the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir prevailed on him to remain in office until the election of a new president.
The SUG’s Public Relations Officer, Cosmos Ogiri, who has been feuding with Philip for allegedly collecting bribe from Governor Yahya Bello, resigned to avoid impeachment.
Philip was impeached during an emergency sitting where the allegations against him were considered. It was gathered that Gabriel Okolo, member representing Animal Science Department, moved the motion for Philip’s impeachment.
The allegations against Philip include receiving bribe from the government, embezzlement of funds for the construction of student's centre, and refusal to appear before the committee investigating misappropriation of the N300,000 voted for national convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Other allegations include embezzlement of stipends meant for members of the executive and judicial arms, destruction of union vehicle and embezzlement of money allocated for bus repair, deceit in the discharge of his duty as president and incompetency.
Philip described the allegations as frivolous, accusing the speaker of an agenda to cause disaffection in the union. He said he was not given fair hearing by the committee set up to investigate him.
Philip described the government as the mastermind of his travail, saying the plot was to silence students while the school remains shut over teachers’ strike.
The Governor’s Director-General of Media and Publicity Mr Kingsley Fanwo denied claims that government infiltrated the JCC. He described the allegation as a “tissue of lies”. He distanced government’s from what he described as “internal wrangling” of students, saying it would not be involved in such “trivial matter”.
The union has been embroiled in controversy, since its inauguration more than a year ago. There have been allegations and counter allegations of collusion with government to frustrate the striking workers’ efforts to draw attention to their plight.
Former Dean of Students’ Affair Dr Usman Ogbo lampooned the students’ leaders for what he called their bad public conduct. He lamented that the union leaders were bickering over money, while academic activities have been grounded for more than three months.
Students describe Philip’s impeachment as welcome. They said his tenure was marred by stories of failures.
The Vice President, Anthony Edogbo was sworn in as Acting President and he promised to correct wrongs of Philip’s tenure.
Source: The Nation
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