By Vincent Adaji.
On June 20, 2019, Salihu Lukman the Idah born Kogi State Polytechnic student unionist; accompanied by the SUG President of Kogi State Polytechnic, Umar Jafaru Omeiza, NANS National Treasurer, Noah Agada; other notable stakeholders and jubilant supporters, stormed the National Secretariat of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) in Lokoja to obtain his expression of interest form to enable him to contest for the National President of the highest Kogi students’ union office.
The race, like none in recent times, is already tense. The question then, is, why should Salihu Lukman be voted into this highly revered position?
Where else can answers to this question be found other than the words of the man himself.
He says: “I will do things differently. I bring in experience, credibility, flexibility, vibrancy, passion, enthusiasm, bravery and above all – ear and voice.
“By ear and voice, I mean I will be a good listener to all complaints, agitations, desires and aspirations of all Kogi State students irrespective of tribe, religion and institution; and, I will use my voice to speak for and only for the interests of the students I lead to anyone – irrespective of age, gender and position.
“I do not intend to teardown the gains of previous administrations but to build upon. Emphasis shall be placed on welfare, security and improved learning conditions for all Kogi State students. This can be achieved not through war mongering but through concrete, reasonable and well thought out diplomatic approach to demands and prudent utilization of NAKOSS resources to achieve beyond expectations.”
Lukman Salihu goes about his campaign, negotiations and deliberation with a lot of confidence. He gladly boasts of the backing of major stakeholders and players in Kogi state students unionism.
Hopefully, there are interesting days ahead for NAKOSS even as campaigns intensify and more contestants enter the fray.
