Schools shut as as Atiku campaigns in Enugu

Public primary and secondary schools in Enugu were abruptly shut on Friday following campaign rally of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state.

According to NAN, students of various public secondary schools were seen going home as early as 10am.

A student from Day Secondary School, Independence Layout who spoke to NAN anonymously said teachers told them to go home because of the visit of Atiku.

It was the same situation in other public schools including O’connor Primary School, Queen’s School, Urban Girls Secondary School and Government Training College in Enugu town.

The student however, said they were not mandated to attend the campaign rally which held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Meanwhile, some parents expressed mixed feelings on the decision to send students home over a political campaign rally.

Francis Ogbu said it was wrong to have suspended academic activities due to an individual’s political aspiration.

Ogbu said under aged students needed not be dragged into politics.

Uzoamaka Onukwuburi wondered what may have informed the closure of public schools before the usual time.

Onukwuburi said she could not understand why politics had degenerated to the level of suspending academic activities due to a campaign rally.

Chinwe Eke, another parent, commended the decision, adding that it was for the safety of the children in case of outbreak of violence during the rally.

Eke however, said government should have announced the directive early so that the children would stay at home rather than moving up and down.

When contacted for reaction, Uche Eze, the state commissioner for education, declined comments.

Meanwhile, major roads leading to Nnamdi Azikiwe venue for the rally were cordoned off while traffic was diverted to alternative routes in the coal city.

Business activities in the stadium were shut to allow free movement.