PEN: Sir, kindly introduce yourself.
MAIGORO: I am Comrade Umar Mustapha, popularly known as Maigoro. I am the Sales and Business Director of the student union.
PEN: At about 10:30pm today, we noticed students complaining that they couldn't get water and other needs, because the hostel mini-mart was locked down by some student Union executives. Can you shed light on what actually happened?
MAIGORO: With respect to your question, first of all, it was all about the increment in the price of commodities, it also affected the business of 'pure water'. Whenever such is experienced (sudden change of price), we summon a joint meeting between members of Mini-mart and the Students' Union executive, so as to lubricate and dilute some issues that are of controversial nature, so that student may know the reason behind the increment. When that was done we realised it was the increment in dollar that metamorphosed into this. Later we discussed with those companies bringing pure water into the university. After the discussion, we came to a conclusion and they agreed to supply pure water to the school at the rate of #80 per bag as against the #100 they sell it outside the university. After that we negotiated with the members of the mini-mart particularly those ones selling pure water, that they should bear with us for the main time so as to at least remedy the recent problem. They agreed to sell pure water at the rate of #5, meaning they will maintain the status quo despite the increase in price from N60 to N80. Notwithstanding thy agreed that provided it will not be cold, they will sell it the way they buy it.
PEN: You said it was the rise of dollar against Naira that affected the price of sachet water. Can you tell us the connection between sachet water and dollar rise or fall, because many students believe water is available everywhere.
MAIGORO: Yes! It is true that we can get water everywhere, but the method of production is what matters. For instance, the issue of polythene for packaging the water. Polythene is not a product we produce here in Nigeria. According to what they said, it is imported. Also the price of the chemicals they use to purify the water for easy consumption and healthy condition has increased and is also imported into Nigeria. This was their reason for increasing the price of the commodity, because they also buy at exorbitant rate.
PEN: We heard complains from students that they couldn't get water to drink due to the lock down of mini-mart. What is your response to that?
MAIGORO: Nobody, I repeat, nobody will say he couldn't get water to drink currently, as I'm talking to you now, there are three different buses from three different pure water companies that are bringing pure water at this time into the school. Some are on their way, while some are already discharging theirs. We want to mitigate students hardship. Whatever we are doing is not for our own benefit but for the benefit of all Danfodites, we can not be exploited anyhow. In every general rule there must be an exception and I believe students should be the exception. As such we will in no way agree to be compromising with issues of this nature. It affects students, they brought us into being, and we promise to stand by them to the core. That is why we made resolution that no one should sell above N5. They agreed to our conditions earlier, but they later asked their people to sell as against our agreement while they are still buying bag at the rate of #80. We didn't close the whole market, but there are some who are key to the market, they are leaders and as well operating shops in the mini-mart. We went there to only lock that of the chairman, assistant chairman and Secretary of the mini-mart, and we successfully achieved that. But the issue now is that other shop owners in the mini-mart showed solidarity support to their Chairman, Assistant Chairman and Secretary that they have decided to close their entire shops in the mini mart. Believe me, it is something that we can still remedy. We just concluded a meeting now,on this and other issues relating to the welfare of students and Insha'Allah, we will continue to proffer solution to this problem and we will stand by our order that nobody will continue to sell water at the rate of #10 in this university.
PEN: Finally comrade, what advice do you have for Danfodites while this progressive struggle is ongoing?
MAIGORO: What we are saying is that students should always bear in mind that we are doing this for the betterment of all the students of the university and as such I am calling all students to be law abiding in whatever they do. They should calm down. They will never lack anything by God's grace. Whatever they need will be made available in this university and we can do without mini-mart. And I believe Student union is strong enough to provide the needs of students without any problem. They (shop owners) think we cannot do without them. Though it's a reciprocal relationship, they benefit more and should be considerate.
PEN: Aluta continua
MAIGORO: Victory is certain.
As of the time of filing (08/03/16) this report the mini-mart is still under lock as shop owners have refused to open their various shops.
By Ahmad Abdulrasaq
400 level law
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