By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for what he described as decisive and responsible action that led to the release of students of the institution arrested during recent security operations in Ekpoma.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, which he personally signed, Orbih said the intervention of the state government under Okpebholo demonstrated a clear commitment to justice, fairness and the protection of innocent students, noting that it had significantly reduced tension within the university community and beyond.
“I wish to formally commend the Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the decisive and responsible steps taken in securing the release of bona fide students of Ambrose Alli University who were caught up in the recent security operations in Ekpoma,” he said.
According to him, the swift response of the government, following verification processes, reassured parents, guardians and members of the university community that student welfare remained a priority of the administration.
“The swift intervention of the State Government, following due verification processes, demonstrates a clear commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of innocent students. This action has gone a long way in easing tension and reassuring parents, guardians, and the university community that the welfare of our students remains a priority,” Orbih stated.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, the Pro-Chancellor expressed concern over what he described as attempts by certain individuals and groups to politicise the security challenges facing Ekpoma and its environs.
“However, it has become necessary to express deep concern over attempts by some individuals and groups to politicise the security challenges confronting Ekpoma and its environs, and to deliberately misrepresent facts in order to score political points. Such actions are not only unhelpful but dangerous,” he said.
Orbih stressed that security should not be treated as a partisan matter, warning that criminality and violence do not recognise political affiliations or ethnic identities.
“Security is a collective responsibility. It is neither a partisan issue nor a tool for political propaganda. Criminality, insecurity, and violence do not recognise political parties, ethnic identities, or personal affiliations,” he noted, adding that everyone stood to lose when lives and property were threatened.
He also condemned the spread of misinformation and the distortion of facts surrounding the incident involving the university and Ekpoma.
“I strongly condemn all efforts aimed at twisting facts, spreading misinformation, or inciting the public under the guise of advocacy. The deliberate distortion of events surrounding Ambrose Alli University and Ekpoma does not advance the cause of justice,” Orbih said.
Describing the university as an academic institution rather than a platform for political battles, he warned against dragging students into political narratives.
“It is important to state clearly that Ambrose Alli University is an academic institution, not a battleground for political contestation. Dragging the university and its students into political narratives is irresponsible and unacceptable,” he added.
Providing clarification on the arrests, Orbih disclosed that out of the 52 persons apprehended in connection with the incident, 38 had been confirmed as students of the university.
“While the release of innocent students is commendable, it is imperative that the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies continue with thorough and unbiased investigations to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the alleged criminal activities,” he said.
He insisted that anyone found culpable of kidnapping or other criminal acts must be prosecuted without fear or favour, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“All individuals found to be connected with kidnapping or any other criminal acts must be brought to justice without fear or favour, irrespective of their status, influence, political affiliation, or state of origin,” Orbih stated.
The Pro-Chancellor called on political leaders, community heads, civil society organisations, youth groups and opinion leaders to rise above politics and support efforts to tackle insecurity through cooperation and intelligence sharing.
“Constructive engagement, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation remain the most effective tools in confronting criminal elements who exploit vulnerable environments for selfish ends,” he said.
He assured that the AAU Governing Council remained committed to working with the Edo State Government, security agencies and host communities to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
“This is a time for unity, responsibility, and truth, not propaganda. Ambrose Alli University belongs to all of us. Its safety, integrity, and future must be protected by all, irrespective of political or personal interests,” Orbih concluded.
