Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS on Thursday crippled commercial activities in Anambra State, after they blocked the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Awka.
The protesters who trooped to Aroma Junction at about 9am refused to leave the road, causing traffic gridlock on all roads linking the expressway, leaving motorists and travelers frustrated.
Leader of the protesters, Mr Peter Onyenwife who identified himself as the leader of students in Anambra State said, “Our members are tired of staying at home and doing nothing, because of the ASUU strike.
“That is why we raised a new hashtag, #EndASUUStrike. We are asking the federal government to put an end to ASUU strike, so that our members can return to school. We are no longer happy, and we will not leave until we receive assurance.”
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Comrade Steven Ufoaru who also addressed the protesters said, “I’m very excited that Nigerian youths have come of age to ask for what belongs to them. That’s why I’m here to solidarize with them, to demonstrate ASUU support of what they are doing.
“They’re are simply asking for their right. The country belongs to all of us. No individual owns Nigeria, all of us, including the youths are stakeholders, yet nobody cares about them. That’s why I’m supporting them and let them take it up from there.
“Government should consider our youths by investing in education so we can train them to be useful to their country. The protesters are very peaceful, if not, I won’t be here. I assure you the protests won’t be hijacked by urchins.”
As at the time of filing this report, the protesters had blocked the road for seven hours, and have insisted on not opening the road until their demands are met.
