The Coalition of University-based Unions of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) has demanded for justice for the former Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru over an attack on him in Adamawa.
Zuru, an INEC National Commissioner was attacked by some hoodlums on Sunday while on a national assignment during the Adamawa supplementary governorship election.
The coalition, in a statement issued at a news briefing on Friday in Sokoto described the action as inhuman and senseless.
The statement was jointly signed by the ASUU, the National Association of Academic Technologist (NAAT), NASU and SSANU, UDUS chapters, respectively.
Presenting the message, Prof. Nuraddeen Al-Mustapha, ASUU Chairman said the briefing became imperative following the unfortunate incident.
Nuraddeen said: ”The assault on the former vice-chancellor was carried out in a brazen, unashamedly and disdained manner,.
”It depicted clear lawlessness and premeditated act by an alleged state-sponsored arsonists of democracy.
“We, as unions in UDUS, were shocked to have witnessed what happened to our revered leader.
“The full episodes took place at the behest and full glare of the security apparatus that were, hitherto, meant to protect or provide security to the National Commissioner.
“As unions, we will never accept mistaken identity as an excuse. We were baffled by how the incident led to the emergence of video clips depicting and or showcasing the attack in a viral manner,” he said.
Nuraddeen added that the video clips were made viral in an attempt to further tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the don.
“It is antithetical to common sense to believe that a whole state government and security agencies would watch in amusement, while an elder statesman was being manhandled in such a brutal manner.
“However, it should be on record that Zuru had served the university system by far for over four decades, with an unblemished records of service,” he added.
The unionist then urged the INEC and the Nigeria Police to launch and follow up a full-scale investigation on the matter to unravel what went wrong and the necessary steps to be taken.
“INEC should issue a press statement condemning this attack and must also clear the air on the purported lies spread about the personality of Prof. Zuru.
“We believe and can vouch fully that he has never been found wanting as far as his records and antecedents are concerned,” Nuraddeen said.
