The ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has claimed its biggest casualty with the death, on Tuesday November 12, of renowned writer, university teacher and activist, Dr. Festus Iyayi in a road accident. Dr Iyayi was on his way to the national congress of ASUU in Kano when a car in the convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, rammed into his vehicle near Lokoja in Kogi State. ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, confirmed his death to reporters on Wednesday. With Tuesday’s accident, Governor Idris has further consolidated his reputation as having one of the most reckless convoys in Nigeria where drivers attached to governors and other top officials are known for deadly driving. Special Adviser to the Kogi State governor, Jacob Edi, in a lame effort to defend his boss, stated the convoy was doing only 80 kilometres per hour when the patrol vehicle hit Dr Iyayi’s car. Edi’s statement only helped to inflame the already burning situation, for Dr. Iyayi was an activist and author well-loved by many for his contributions to education, the arts and human rights. Many commentators have been taking to the social media to express their feelings about the activist’s death. Even Honourable Patrick Obayiagbon, Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor applied his usual verbosity to add his voice to the rage. New Media brings some of these comments: Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon: The grand initiation of Professor Festus Iyayi is a lancinating loss of another stentorian voice against retrograde and prebendal forces of primitive mercantilism. That he passed through transition on matters pro bono public bears eloquent testimony to our state of dystopia. Abdulwaheed Omar, president, Nigeria Labour Congress: Kogi State governor was fast acquiring for himself an accident-prone reputation Alegbel Emmanuel Ohifueme: This is a great loss to ASUU, UNIBEN chapter; ASUU nationwide and the entire country. Any nation that plays politics with her educational sector is heading for an impending doom and that is what we are in today. ASUU should remain firm in their decision and ensure that there is evidence that government will implement all promises to avoid re-occurrence of this sort. Mariam Excel: Believe it or not, his death was arranged and executed. R.I.P. Prof Edafe Frank: He paid the price! I hereby declare that all schools should be opened now. Malachy Agbo: Before, we were complaining that some of our roads are death traps, coupled with armed robbery attacks and recently, kidnapping. But now, governors’ convoys appear to be more dangerous. Emmanuel Ojie Agbonifo: Yes the life of every Nigerian regardless of their status is precious. However, considering the lofty academic contributions of Professor Festus Iyayi, one considers this as one death too many. How can a nation that is developing allow its great minds to die needlessly? Oladunni Oke Afolabi: God will put an end to all this bad leaders Yahya Ahmed: It’s pathetic, and it is a repeated syndrome. Mr. Wada needs to take a very drastic step to stop this deadly drive of his convoy. It is because this accident happened to an important person, if not nobody would have known if it were to be a common man. Joseph Esther: This should serve as a warning to all road users especially the governors convoy. Life is precious to all humans Benedette Ogochukwu: See how they wasted someone who is impacting good knowledge on Nigerians, using our tax payers money to drive recklessly on the highway as if they are the only road users and causing harm to people. It was good he (Gov Wada) was driven out of the hospital. What did he go to the hospital to do when he cannot control and educate his drivers? Tokunbo Adetayo: Oh! I had similar experience on Ibadan- Ile Ife road in Osun state when a commissioner was travelling. The convoy of the commissioner, the press and police took over the express road. I was gutted. Not even the governor Aregbesola, but a stupid commissioner. Imagine! Kehinde Kolawole: Coming with his press crew to the hospital hours after the accident is insulting enough. Not stopping to see the extent of the accident and those injured is the height
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 12:43:47 +0000
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