Non-recognition Of Community Liaison Officer Sparks Protest At Akwa Ibom Poly

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

Over alleged non-recognition of Community Liaison Officer (CLO) by Dr. Moses Umobong, Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, youth led protest disrupted academic and economic activities at the institution for several hours on Tuesday.

As early as 6:00a.m, the protesters in their demand fo recognition of Comrade Aniekere Sunday Udoma as CLO, locked the school gates and blocked entry, preventing the Rector, staff and students from accessing their offices.

Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Rector Must Go,” “Umobong Respect Our Village Heads,” “Don’t Impose CLO on Us,” “Local Content Is Our Right,” “Where Is Our 2022 Quota for Employment?” and “Governor Umo Eno, Please Come to Our Aid,” the youths accused the Rector of disrespecting their communities and undermining their rights.

Leading the protest, a youth activist, Comrade Ekikere Simon Iko explained that the communities of Ikot Osurua and Atan Ikot Okoro had written several letters to the Rector since September 24, 2024, but received no response.

He recalled that during a recent visit to their village heads, the Rector had promised to respond to their concerns within one week but failed to do so.

According to him, the main grievance is the Rector’s decision to appoint a Polytechnic Liaison Officer instead of recognizing the Community Liaison Officer duly chosen by the host communities.

He stressed that the communities have maintained a peaceful and cordial relationship with the institution for over 34 years and only resorted to the protest to press home their demands.

Also speaking, Comrade Iniobong William Ikono, former Youth President of Ikot Osurua, presented copies of letters earlier sent to the Rector whom he accused of sidelining the communities, slashing stipends for part-time workers from the host communities from N50,000 to N30,000, and failing to allocate admission slots to indigenes as previously practiced.

Comrade Onoitem Patrick Akpan, former Vice Youth President of Atan Ikot Okoro, also joined his voice to the protest, while the leaders collectively appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene, commending his ARISE Agenda and investments in education, particularly at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.

Addressing the protesters, Rector, Dr. Moses Umobong welcomed the recognition of Comrade Aniekere Sunday Udoma as CLO and promised to look into their demands.

Following his intervention, the protesting youths reopened the gates, restoring access to the institution.