The authorities of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), has announced the stoppage of a proposed Students' Union elections of the University, which was scheduled to hold during the week “till further notice.”

A press release signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the institution’s Council, Mrs. Edak Umondak, stated: “The suspension of the elections became necessary as a result of the atmosphere in the University, considered not conducive for elections, following issues raised in a letter signed by 136 students of the Engineering Faculty, dated April 22, 2015.”

It would be recalled that some students of the institution, had on Wednesday, gone on a peaceful protest at the university’s permanent campus on Nwaniba Road, Uyo, against alleged screening out of one of their presidential candidates, one Bassey Bassey of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

His disqualification for the election was alleged to have been caused by his inability to pass the Department of State Service (DSS) screening exercise.

The DSS screening was said to be a detailed background checks on all the aspirants, to ascertain their involvement or otherwise, in cult activities.

To curtail any unforeseen circumstance, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, issued an appeal to all parties involved to remain calm “until all the issues raised in the said letter were properly addressed.”

Students were therefore advised to go about their normal academic routine peacefully, and resist any attempt by any of them to engage in acts that could lead to a breakdown of law and order within or outside the university domains.

•Photo shows UNIUYO