GSSS Demonstration: Gombe govt denies lack of food allegation by protesting students
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Government on Tuesday, denied allegation of scarcity of food as cause of protest involving students of Government Science Secondary School (GSSS).
Confirming the position of Government, in a media briefing, Commissioner for Education, Batari Dauda said the Cooperative Financing Agency (CFA), distributed food stuffs across 20 boarding schools since June 5th 2021.
Recall that Periscope Nigeria, earlier reported that the ministry had constituted a seven- man panel, whose report would help government address the remote cause(s) of the protest, following the viral video of students 
lamenting harassment by security officials, and inadequate food supply.
He said, “The Ministry wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the action of the students was quite an embarrassment to the government.
“Contrary to the claim adduced by the protesting students on the social media on lack of meals in the school, in line with the monthly feeding schedule of students in boarding schools across the state, Cooperative Financing Agency (CFA), had distributed adequate food stuff in all the 20 boarding schools on the 5th June 2021, Government Science Secondary School inclusive.
“The action of the concerned students indicates that the school administration , teachers and other sundry staff were oblivious of their responsibilities as managers of the school.
While reiterating that appropriate punishment would be meted to those who participated or caused the protest, Dauda stated that government would not tolerate any act of indiscipline.
“The panel is expected to turn in an interim report for onward submission to government before close of work on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
“However, the ministry wishes to make it categorically clear to all students in boarding schools that government will not tolerate any act of indiscipline through protest especially on account of feeding since adequate provision has been made. Students, teachers and school managers are urged to be be conscious of mischief makers.
“Finally, be assured that, all those found to have aided and abated the protest shall be sanctioned according to the gravity of their involvement,” Dauda added.
