Speaking to the Press at the ongoing Protest, the present and erstwhile Students’ Union Presidents, Aweda Bolaji and Samson Tobiloba, have proposed a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet the demands of students.
In his address, the President, Aweda ‘Oloye’ Bolaji, said, “Our demands are: 1. Immediate restoration of power to UCH. 2. Implementation of a 50% discount on tariffs. 3. Reform of the health sector in Nigeria. This is the foremost healthcare institution in Nigeria, so if this is that bad, we can only imagine what is happening in other institutions. We care about the welfare of our students. We represent the student body.”
The erstwhile President, Host, said, “We are out for a peaceful demonstration. After this, we’ll give them a 3-week ultimatum expecting that the relevant stakeholders act. The bane of this problem is the power sector which has made power supply unaffordable. Today, we are told that UCH is owing 378 Million Naira and IBEDC is saying that they pay 50%. We don’t know how they expect that to happen”
He added, “This is not the first time we’re having the blackout, asking that decisions be made. The outcome of those meetings is that there’s an ongoing conversation between the hospital management and IBEDC. But what we are seeing is that we don’t even have a voice in the situation. Our concern is simple, “How will light return to UCH?”.
As of Press time, the crowd is converging on the Total Garden junction, still resolute in their demands.
Eriomala John
