Thousands of Mosogar indigenes Monday, took to the streets of the community to stage a peaceful protest against the College of Physical Education, Mosogar, Delta State.
The protesters accused the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) of attempting to sabotage the appointment of an indigene of Mosogar as the Registrar of the college, an act they deemed as a marginalization of their community.
The protest commenced in the morning, starting from the Civil center in the community, around 11 a.m. They flooded the streets, brandishing placards with various inscriptions such as “Enough is enough, let there be peace,” “Local content must be observed,” “New Registrar must stay,” and “Na Mosogar turn, say no to marginalization,” among others.
Chief Anthony Agboma, the Chairman of Mosogar Elites Forum, delivered a passionate speech during the protest. He expressed the community’s resolve to make life unbearable for the school’s union, highlighting several reasons behind their peaceful demonstration. Chief Agboma emphasized that the appointment of principal officers in the College of Education had been marked by marginalization against Mosogar for years.
“It is a clear case of marginalization on their part”, Chief Agboma stated emphatically.
“For the past 21 years, no Mosogar indigene has attained the position of a principal officer in this college. They claim the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) requires a master’s degree for such appointments, but that document has been in existence since 2019. When an employment was made in 2020, those conditions were not adhered to. The same union that is now agitating for adherence to the criteria had previously overlooked them when they employed the current bursar.”
He further criticized the union’s double standards, pointing out that whenever a qualified indigene aspired to hold a principal position, the union would introduce additional conditions. Chief Agboma emphasized that the advertisement for the position was not made by Mosogar indigenes but by the governing council. When their qualified candidate applied and went for the interview, including some members of the union, he was given a letter of appointment. The union’s opposition to the appointment remains a baffling mystery to the community.
Retired Colonel Chief O. C. Akporoka, the President General of Mosogar community, also condemned the union’s interference in the appointment. He asserted that the community had endured enough marginalization and would not back down in their protest to secure the appointment of an indigene as the Registrar. Chief Akporoka firmly stated, “We are not lowering standards; we simply want a more qualified indigene appointed to serve our community.”
Chief Freeborn Nana, the Ugo of Mosogar Kingdom, called on the government to intervene in the matter, highlighting the oppression faced by the community at the hands of outsiders in their own land.
Mrs. Margaret Iboyi Omene, a prominent woman leader, echoed the sentiment, urging that the community should be given the opportunity to hold the position of the principal officer of the registrar.
Youth President Oki Eboigbe voiced the resolve of the youth to fight for what rightfully belongs to them. He declared that if the appointment letter did not bear the name of their fellow Mosogar indigene, they would not accept it. The youth were prepared to battle for their rights.
Several others who spoke during the protest called on the state government to intervene and ensure the community is not oppressed within its own kingdom. They emphasized the need for fairness and justice in the appointment process.
It would be recalled that the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) in Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, had written an open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The letter expressed their concerns over an alleged illegal plan to appoint a Registrar for the college.
The Unions accused the College Governing Council Board, led by Hon. Lovette Idisi, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Tonukari, of violating the prescribed minimum standards for the position.
While congratulating the Governor on his recent victory at the election tribunal and acknowledging his positive impact on workers’ welfare in the state, the Unions drew attention to the illegality and injustice surrounding the appointment of the Registrar perpetrated by the Chairman of the College Governing Council and the Commissioner for Higher Education.
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