How former ASSU president, Iyayi was killed by Kogi Governor’s Convoy

…President, others send condolences

Hope of a possible suspension of the ongoing strike by university teachers this week dimmed on Tuesday as a former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Festus Iyayi, died in an accident involving a vehicle in the convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada (retd.).

Eyewitnesses told one of our correspondents that the accident happened at Banda, a village  about three kilometres to Lokoja.

He said the last police vehicle in the convoy of the governor lost control and hit the ASUU leaders’ vehicle, thus setting it on a fatal somersault.

When the dust raised by the impact settled, Iyayi had died while Ilo was badly injured. Iyalo and Monye-Emina, were however lucky as they escaped with minor wounds.

Ilo was rushed to the Lokoja General Hospital.

Iyayi, a professor of Business Administration and Head of the  Department of Business Administration, University of Benin, died at 66.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said he was particularly dismayed by the fact that Iyayi died  while going to contribute to efforts to finally resolve the current ASUU strike.

The statement reads, “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President   Jonathan commiserates with the leadership and members of ASUU on the tragic death today of  former ASUU President, Dr.  Iyayi.

“President Jonathan also extends sincere condolences to  the  Iyayi  family as well as his colleagues, friends and associates across the country and beyond.

Also, the Senate President, David Mark, lamented  the death of Iyayi, saying Nigeria had lost an academic giant.

Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, said the untimely death of  the activist   was pathetic.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan,  however, expressed deep shock at the   death of Iyayi and called on players in the education sector, including the Federal Government and the striking lecturers   to rededicate themselves to the pursuit of excellence at the tertiary level in honour of the deceased.

 The governor, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, said the highest honour that Iyayi deserved was the return to the pursuit of academic excellence in our universities and other higher institutions.