The Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM), a coalition civil society groups in Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka zone, has said it’s strongly behind Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke on an environmental degradation suit he filed against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Viagem Property and Investment Limited over environmental degradation in one of the host communities, Obukpa, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a statement signed by the coalition’s Secretary General, Comrade James Ezema, the NDM said “the coalition is worried that a project which was intended to solve accommodation for students has created a desaster waiting to happen.

“As a result of the hostel project, an entire host community is at the brink of being wiped out due to the obstruction of natural water courses and diversion of erosion into the host community and environs.

“If nothing is urgently done, our people in Obukpa axis who have been living peacefully with the members of management of the University of Nigeria and the university community could be wiped out.

“In solidarity with Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke on the subject matter in court, the Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM), as a coalition of civil society organisations hereby declare full support for the court case.

“We expect the court under Justice Mathew Eluke to do the needful by granting a perpetual injunction, retraining the university and its contractors, including Viagem Property and Investment Limited or their agents from continuing the project until the determination of the substantive matter before the court to avert a major catastrophe in Nsukka communities.

“Henceforth, the Coalition and its national leadership will bring their full weight to bearer on the matter as the movement will fully mobilise to the court from the next adjourned”, the group vowed.

Beyond the suit on environmental degradation, the group accused the current Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe of poor management of the institution’s facilities and indiscriminate construction of lockup shops in the university premises.

The Coalition said, “the level of degradation in the tertiary institution will shock any alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, if he or she visits the once revered campus today.

“The most unfortunate part is that the Vice Chancellor is fast turning the institution into a market place rather than a citadel of learning for human transformation.

“Right now, new lions and lionesses are being raised in a filthy environment, with contractors busy on sites building lockup shops instead of lectures rooms”, the statement concluded.